US Politics Thread 2016-2020

[Dowly]

No more facebook postings for me ... can you imagine how many seeds of hatred get spread by both sides on Facebook alone and no one bothers to check it out?

I bet the Russians in some back room somewhere already know that :yep:It's not a big secret that if you hear something on Facebook, your first instinct should be to not believe it.

[Skybird]

Book of Changes for me, please. Much more credible.

[ikalugin]

Well, atleast US representative to NATO is competent....
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DogeEwaXsAARJGG.jpghttps://nato.usmission.gov/october-2-2018-press-briefing-by-ambassador-kay-bailey-hutchison/
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DogeEwaXsAARJGG.jpg

[Catfish]

Going into the defensive towards Putin is the wrong way.

[Hawk66]

https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2018/10/02/us/politics/donald-trump-tax-schemes-fred-trump.html?action=click&module=Top%20Stories&pgtype=Homepage
(https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2018/10/02/us/politics/donald-trump-tax-schemes-fred-trump.html?action=click&module=Top%20Stories&pgtype=Homepage)
The "self-made" man...not that anything would be really surprising. Also this, for sure, will have again no consequences and is surely again only fake news, by liberals, who are eager to destroy the country.

[Skybird]

https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2018/10/02/us/politics/donald-trump-tax-schemes-fred-trump.html?action=click&module=Top%20Stories&pgtype=Homepage
(https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2018/10/02/us/politics/donald-trump-tax-schemes-fred-trump.html?action=click&module=Top%20Stories&pgtype=Homepage)
The "self-made" man...not that anything would be really surprising. Also this, for sure, will have again no consequences and is surely again only fake news, by liberals, who are eager to destroy the country.
And the Clintons, don't forget to throw in the Clintons.

[MaDef]

It's not a big secret that if you hear something on Facebook, your first instinct should be to not believe it.

Edgar Allan Poe said it best, "Believe nothing you hear, and only one half that you see."

[mapuc]

Edgar Allan Poe said it best, "Believe nothing you hear, and only one half that you see."

This will not happen if the story fits the readers own personal beliefs.

Markus

[Mr Quatro]

https://www.bing.com/th?id=OIP.j-xrVP8BOzBXrm7koq_3FQHaFZ&w=223&h=160&c=7&o=5&dpr=1.5625&pid=1.7

[Platapus]

This will not happen if the story fits the readers own personal beliefs.

Markus

https://blog.deming.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/confirmation-bias.png

[Platapus]

I once read a study on Confirmation Bias. It did not tell me anything that I did not already know.

[em2nought]

The local news said it was a local record high temp on October 1st. I'm not certain whether I even trust them to report the weather anymore. November is only a month away, and you know the party of "Donald Trump" is responsible for climate change. :03: Just look at some of that hurricane reporting that went on. :har:


As far as I could tell it felt pleasant that day, and I'm not one for hot weather.

[Onkel Neal]

I once read a study on Confirmation Bias. It did not tell me anything that I did not already know.


:Kaleun_Applaud:

[Catfish]

[...] you know the party of "Donald Trump" is responsible for climate change. :03: Just look at some of that hurricane reporting that went on. :har: [...].


Global warming is important because it is so persistent and global in scale, and because it brings more extreme events such as heat waves and storms, and flooding — not because it makes every place warm all the time. It does not work that way.

It was Trump's own administration that said temperature will rise by 3-7 degrees in the next years, and that it is man-made.

The good news for Trump fans is that there will be no reaction whatsoever, from this 'government'. "...temperature rise inevitable, so fuel-efficiency rules are useless." :yeah:
I bet China sees it in a similar way. And Russia.




@Platapus: :haha::up:

[Dowly]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z2uQaMEtUs0


:haha:

[Onkel Neal]

Finally got a few minutes to watch video of Christine Ford's testimony. Good grief, it's so phony and staged. Note the three or four sets of hands "assisting" Ford every time she stands up, oh my god, what, is she crippled? :k_confused: She tried to sell herself as damaged and emotionally fragile... after 30+ years? Geez, what a joke.

I think this woman put it best:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QY19q3nxSpQ

So, if a woman claims she was assaulted 30 years ago, that's it, case closed? That's what political correctness has brought us.


I really don't care if Kavennuagh gets confirmed or not, if someone wants to make a case that he is not fit because he partied in 1982 and drank a lot, and threw a cup of ice one crazy night, fine, let's go look for another conservative candidate and put them through the Democrat's grinder.

[Mr Quatro]

Finally got a few minutes to watch video of Christine Ford's testimony. Good grief, it's so phony and staged. Note the three or four sets of hands "assisting" Ford every time she stands up, oh my god, what, is she crippled? :k_confused: She tried to sell herself as damaged and emotionally fragile... after 30+ years? Geez, what a joke.


She looked like a mental case to me too, but she is a clinical psychologist (teacher even) at a very high level of learning school in Palo Alto. Christine Ford is a professor at Palo Alto University who teaches in a consortium with Stanford University, training graduate students in clinical psychology.

Senator Feinstein's husband (which is a story in or of itself) ... I think he is a regent of her school and a regent of the University of California since 2002.

She passed her lie detector test with only two questions laughing all the way through it. She could be acting you know ... multiple personalities are not uncommon. :yep:

Here's two small facts her grandfather and her father are CIA connected operatives ... :o

You can explore the story further here on Senator Feinstein's husband.

(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_C._Blum)

[Onkel Neal]

Looks like Susan Collins is able to apply logic and rule of law to this situation. (https://video.foxnews.com/v/5845033972001/)

@3:20 she breaks down the most important factors, the lack of credible corroborating evidence from Ford's best friends.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_xNdufkb73Q

[Dowly]

You're quick to label Ford as having mental issues or acting, what about Kavanaugh's act of going from raging to sobbing over insignificant things?

But, let's forget Ford for a second. What of Kavanaugh's repeated lies, under oath, during his testimony? He lied about his drinking, he lied about the meaning of "boofing", he lied about the meaning of "Devil's triangle". Just to name a few things. A judge so willing to lie about so small things says a lot about his values, both personal and professional.

Hell, even the American Bar Association is now re-evaluating Kavanaughs 'well-qualified' rating.

There is no doubt he will be confirmed, it doesn't matter what he may or may not have done. The republicans know they can ram him through, and they will.

[MaDef]

You're quick to label Ford as having mental issues or acting, what about Kavanaugh's act of going from raging to sobbing over insignificant things? This incident was nothing more than a political stunt engineered by Dianne Feinstein or someone in her office in an attempt to keep Judge Kavanaugh from being seated on the Supreme Court. Christine Ford has had her 15 minutes of fame and will now fade back into the obscurity from whence she was sprung. And the useful idiots who protested and tweeted their outrage will find a new cause to occupy their time.

[em2nought]

Christine Ford has had her 15 minutes of fame and will now fade back into the obscurity from whence she was sprung.


DNC loose ends usually meet quick demises. :hmmm: Maybe she's lucky and will stay alive in this case because the democrats can probably get away with "she's crazy" if Dr. Ford spills any proverbial beans.

[Skybird]

Battles like this are pointless. Because:

1. The reputation of the court has severly suffered compared ot the high or low (I don't know) prestige it already had before. Future rulings with Kavanaugh having a say in, will be linked to this battle, and his reputation, which also has suffered. For the institution and the idea for it, its a loss. For Kavanaugh, too.

2. The parties both have made idiots of themselves. Both of them.

3. The polarization and trench-digging in society has deepened. Considering that until today sentiments of the the civil war, much longer time ago, still let their echoes hear, this leaves nothing good to be expected from the future.

4. Those citizens not caring to take sides in the trech-digging and polarization, will instead be even more pissed by the whole system, and alienated by it.

It may look like a short-term win for Trump, who once again behaved in a low fashion revealing what a rotten character he is - but the long temr cost America has to pay, is very high.

Congratulations, if you consider your opinion camp to be the factual, the legal or the moral winner. BTW, you know what karma is, yes? The unescapable causal link between cause and effect. What has been done now by either side (or failed to be done), will be paid for in the near future. Promised.

This is why I consider all this a pointless, unneeded battle. In the long run: only loosers - parties. Institutions. Citizens.

[vienna]

You're quick to label Ford as having mental issues or acting, what about Kavanaugh's act of going from raging to sobbing over insignificant things?

But, let's forget Ford for a second. What of Kavanaugh's repeated lies, under oath, during his testimony? He lied about his drinking, he lied about the meaning of "boofing", he lied about the meaning of "Devil's triangle". Just to name a few things. A judge so willing to lie about so small things says a lot about his values, both personal and professional.

Hell, even the American Bar Association is now re-evaluating Kavanaughs 'well-qualified' rating.

There is no doubt he will be confirmed, it doesn't matter what he may or may not have done. The republicans know they can ram him through, and they will.


The fact (and it is a fact) that Kavanaugh did actually lie, under sworn oath, in front of live cameras, is, for me, more troubling than the other allegations. Someone who would blatantly lie just to get a job makes you wonder about how much else he's lied about and would he lie on the bench or in his opinions. Being blatantly dishonest is not a sterling start to a position on the SCOTUS. I have a funny feeling Kavanuagh's lies will come back to bite him...


One issue came to mind about Kavanaugh on SCOTUS: during his final appearance before the committee, he openly voiced hostility towards Democrats, in general, and the Clintons, specifically, among others. So here's the question: if, say, the Clintons were to be indicted and the case wound up before SCOTUS, would Kavanaugh be required to recuse himself for a previous openly expressed animus; and, say, a case came up involving a piece of DEM-backed legislation, or when a DEM takes the Oval Office, an issue involving the POTUS, would Kavanaugh have to recuse himself for a previous openly expressed equal animus? Hasn't Kavanaugh placed himself in the position of, by his own words and action, not being capable of fair judgement in those situations? Just wondering...


...and now a possible future news release:





Dateine: Washington DC


The Supreme Court ruled today on an historic Constitutional question and the Court in a 5-3 vote, affirmed a lower court ruling. The five Justices affirming wrote in their opinion about the seriousness of the Constitutional issues in play and the need to maintain the previous ruling. The three dissenting Justices, in their written dissent, questioned if the issue did not place in threat other Constitutional safeguards unnecessarily.


The ninth Justice, Justice Kavanaugh ruled "I like beer!" and in his written opinion stated "I really like beer!!".





:D












<O>

[em2nought]

...and now a possible future news release:


The ninth Justice, Justice Kavanaugh ruled "I like beer!" and in his written opinion stated "I really like beer!!"
<O>

To a lesser degree this was on par with replying to the Nazis who have you surrounded with the single word "Nuts!" :03:
https://s3.amazonaws.com/beertourprod/images/pictures/000/008/200/original/bastogne-war-americansoldiers_1024x678.jpg?1395647384

[u crank]

One issue came to mind about Kavanaugh on SCOTUS: during his final appearance before the committee, he openly voiced hostility towards Democrats, in general, and the Clintons, specifically, among others. So here's the question: if, say, the Clintons were to be indicted and the case wound up before SCOTUS, would Kavanaugh be required to recuse himself for a previous openly expressed animus; and, say, a case came up involving a piece of DEM-backed legislation, or when a DEM takes the Oval Office, an issue involving the POTUS, would Kavanaugh have to recuse himself for a previous openly expressed equal animus? Hasn't Kavanaugh placed himself in the position of, by his own words and action, not being capable of fair judgement in those situations? Just wondering...

And of course the same questions could be asked of Ruth Bader Ginsburg. She has publicly lamented about Hillary Clinton's loss and blamed it on sexism. She has criticized President Trump publicly and suggested jokingly about moving to New Zealand if he won the 2016 election. She has also denounced players like former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick for their “dumb” and “disrespectful” and “ridiculous” protest while discussing the legal status of such protests.

The late Antonin Scalia was also criticized for discussing issues coming before the Supreme Court or making highly political statements. So Kavanaugh's comments are not that controversial.

[Buddahaid]

I think I'm just going to give up caring now. US politics has boiled down to this.

http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2015/01/22/24F0EC9B00000578-0-Double_trouble_Art_rs_Bondars_from_Latvia_has_fuse d_together_the-a-42_1421929923501.jpg

[vienna]

And of course the same questions could be asked of Ruth Bader Ginsburg. She has publicly lamented about Hillary Clinton's loss and blamed it on sexism. She has criticized President Trump publicly and suggested jokingly about moving to New Zealand if he won the 2016 election. She has also denounced players like former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick for their “dumb” and “disrespectful” and “ridiculous” protest while discussing the legal status of such protests.

The late Antonin Scalia was also criticized for discussing issues coming before the Supreme Court or making highly political statements. So Kavanaugh's comments are not that controversial.


No, Kavanaugh's comments aren't that controversial: they are just as equally ethically wrong and inappropriate for a SCOTUS Justice...














<O>

[u crank]

No, Kavanaugh's comments aren't that controversial: they are just as equally ethically wrong and inappropriate for a SCOTUS Justice...


I really like beer. :()1:

[Bilge_Rat]

JUSTICE Kavanaugh now!

[u crank]

JUSTICE Kavanaugh now!

Yep. And for your full share of wailing and histrionics please tune in to CNN or MSNBC. You won't be disappointed. :O:

[eddie]

Thought this was great!!:D


https://i.postimg.cc/tZqxj49B/43176046_2215137248814690_2610914347270012928_o.jp g (https://postimg.cc/tZqxj49B)

[Mr Quatro]

Well I'm glad that's over ... I can play my new Forza Horizon 4 video game now after waiting for the 18GB up date. :up:

It is over, right? :yep:

[Skybird]

No, its not over. Long after the Donald is out of office again, Kavanaugh still will be there, holding up parts of Donny's agenda. So will the controversy and the damage due to his calling.

The underlaying issue, so they pointed out today in a longer documentation piece, is the abortion debate in the US anyway. Modern present with equal rights for both gender versus ancient era and oppression of women, you know.

[u crank]

No, its not over. Long after the Donald is out of office again, Kavanaugh still will be there, holding up parts of Donny's agenda. So will the controversy and the damage due to his calling.


And what would that agenda be pray tell? Please enlighten us if you would be so kind. And how one out of nine supreme court justices could do this?

[Catfish]

And what would that agenda be pray tell? [...]

lmao. :haha:

Really, i am out of clues of what to think of some people. Is it missing empathy? Intelligence? Education? Experience? :hmmm:

[u crank]

Really, i am out of clues of what to think of some people. Is it missing empathy? Intelligence? Education? Experience? :hmmm:

I'll ask you the same question I asked your countryman. What agenda could a single supreme court justice possibly advance by himself? Take your time but don't dodge the question.

[August]

I'll ask you the same question I asked your countryman. What agenda could a single supreme court justice possibly advance by himself? Take your time but don't dodge the question.


I'll bet neither one of them has listened to Susan Collins speech.

[Onkel Neal]

You're quick to label Ford as having mental issues or acting, what about Kavanaugh's act of going from raging to sobbing over insignificant things?

But, let's forget Ford for a second. What of Kavanaugh's repeated lies, under oath, during his testimony? He lied about his drinking, he lied about the meaning of "boofing", he lied about the meaning of "Devil's triangle". Just to name a few things. A judge so willing to lie about so small things says a lot about his values, both personal and professional.

Hell, even the American Bar Association is now re-evaluating Kavanaughs 'well-qualified' rating.

There is no doubt he will be confirmed, it doesn't matter what he may or may not have done. The republicans know they can ram him through, and they will.

Kick him to the curb, I don't care. I will go along with that, we could have looked for a better Justice.

[August]

Kick him to the curb, I don't care. I will go along with that, we could have looked for a better Justice.


Like who? Anyone that Trump nominates would be treated the same way.

[Buddahaid]

Maybe Bill Cosby? I understand he's available.

[em2nought]

No, its not over. Long after the Donald is out of office again, Kavanaugh still will be there, holding up parts of Donny's agenda.


I don't get it, from what I gather you'd be dancing in the streets if Germany had their own version of "Donald Trump" large and in charge? No? :hmmm:

[Buddahaid]

I don't get it, from what I gather you'd be dancing in the streets if Germany had their own version of "Donald Trump" large and in charge? No? :hmmm:

They already had one, and as I recall, it didn't work out. Ran on a platform of making Germany great again too.

[Bilge_Rat]

But, let's forget Ford for a second. What of Kavanaugh's repeated lies, under oath, during his testimony? He lied about his drinking, he lied about the meaning of "boofing", he lied about the meaning of "Devil's triangle". Just to name a few things. A judge so willing to lie about so small things says a lot about his values, both personal and professional.

Hell, even the American Bar Association is now re-evaluating Kavanaughs 'well-qualified' ratingl.

He did not lie under oath. That was another smear by the dimocrats which has been debunked.

And no he still has the highest ABA rating and recommandation. There has been no change.

Do you just parrot dem talking points or do you actually bother thinking for yourself?

[Onkel Neal]

They already had one, and as I recall, it didn't work out. Ran on a platform of making Germany great again too.

Ah, I don't recall posting anywhere that I like Donald Trumpo.

[Skybird]

And what would that agenda be pray tell? Please enlighten us if you would be so kind. And how one out of nine supreme court justices could do this?
An extremely fanatical conservative and anti-abortion agenda for which the supreme Court now has alasting, consevative majority for years to come, inside which Kavanaugh always can try hard to influence and outvote opposing opinions by more liberal judges.



Its about the majority in the court. And you know that.Your question-asking is purely rhetorical.

[u crank]

inside which Kavanaugh always can try hard to influence and outvote opposing opinions by more liberal judges.

I sometimes wonder if you have any idea about America and its system of law and politics. Supreme court justices do not 'try hard to influence and outvote opposing opinions'. That is nonsense. If a case comes to the supreme court each justice writes his or her own opinion. Yes the majority rules but there is no guarantee how any of them will vote. Well that is not quite correct. The liberal justices all most always vote the same way.


An extremely fanatical conservative and anti-abortion agenda

Once again I will ask you for some facts. Do you have any evidence that this 'agenda' exists on the supreme court? I don't want your opinion or anyone else's opinion.The only opinions that matter would be the opinions of the current members of that court. Do you know what they are? If you don't then I would suggest you try to find out. When you do please let us know.

[Ashikaga]

I quit being bothered after the Kavanaugh confirmation. Now following the events in your banana republic with the amused wonder only a European perspective brings...

[August]

I quit being bothered after the Kavanaugh confirmation. Now following the events in your banana republic with the amused wonder only a European perspective brings...


Oooh, what an Ice Burn! Your grandfathers seemed pretty grateful for our Banana Republic when we liberated you from your neighbors back in '44.

[August]

Once again I will ask you for some facts. Do you have any evidence that this 'agenda' exists on the supreme court? I don't want your opinion or anyone else's opinion.The only opinions that matter would be the opinions of the current members of that court. Do you know what they are? If you don't then I would suggest you try to find out. When you do please let us know.


My opinion is that he is just trolling.

[u crank]

My opinion is that he is just trolling.

Yea. In a way I hope you are right but I don't think so. Past experience says no.

[Dowly]

Oooh, what an Ice Burn! Your grandfathers seemed pretty grateful for our Banana Republic when we liberated you from your neighbors back in '44.Most of the Netherlands was liberated by the First Canadian Army.

[Mr Quatro]

An extremely fanatical conservative and anti-abortion agenda for which the supreme Court now has alasting, consevative majority for years to come, inside which Kavanaugh always can try hard to influence and outvote opposing opinions by more liberal judges.

Its about the majority in the court. And you know that.Your question-asking is purely rhetorical.

Sky you just think you understand American's, but you don't understand women. No way are they going to go back to the way things were. Your not going to tell a woman what to do. If the Supreme Court did overturn Roe vs Wade (a woman's right to terminate her baby) women would only have to chose their other options of going across the borders of America or to the Caribbean or even overseas (for the richer ones).

The fear of what Judge Cavanaugh would do to women's rights was and is a political arrow of the left wing to overthrow the present regime.

Bottom line is that it is not going to happen ... not in an election year and not in my life time will the law of Row vs Wade be over turned.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roe_v._Wade

is a landmark decision issued in 1973 by the United States Supreme Court on the issue of the constitutionality of laws that criminalized or restricted access to abortions

[Skybird]

Hot, just in! Abortion war in America declared over and done! Polarization between conservatism and liberalism no longer an issue! State institutions now reassessed as being fully politically neutral and unbiased, because historian research says "Its written on this paper"! People prepare for unconditional love breaking out! Power is no longer fought for.



What a relief!

[u crank]

Most of the Netherlands was liberated by the First Canadian Army.

Yer welcome. :O:

[Ashikaga]

Canadians British and Polish to be exact. US involvement was limited to Patton's army near Maastricht and the 101st and 82nd during the Battle of Arnhem. We saved a lot of downed US pilots and bomber crew. Apart from that, who supported you lot when you fought against the British for your independence? Indeed, the Dutch Republic as well as the French. So you can thank us for that you bunch of ungrateful colonials!

Hazza! ;)

[u crank]

Bottom line is that it is not going to happen ... not in an election year and not in my life time will the law of Row vs Wade be over turned.


I believe you are right. When it comes to social issues like abortion, same sex marriage and legalized pot, there's no going back. For better or worse there is no way of reversing these decisions without incurring the wrath of the public.

There is no doubt that people voted for Trump because of his promise to nominate conservative judges to the Supreme court. And no doubt many believed this would lead to reversing Roe v Wade. They should have known better. Ain't gonna happen. That's not saying that having highly qualified people like ‎Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh on the bench is a bad thing. Time will tell.

[August]

There is no doubt that people voted for Trump because of his promise to nominate conservative judges to the Supreme court. And no doubt many believed this would lead to reversing Roe v Wade. They should have known better. Ain't gonna happen. That's not saying that having highly qualified people like ‎Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh on the bench is a bad thing. Time will tell.


I don't want to see Rove v. Wade reversed but like Kavanaugh I think that precedent should be buttressed by laws specifically legalizing the practice, maybe even a new constitutional amendment so that the arguments he mentioned (and are being cast by the leftists as his own) cannot be used to reverse it.


What really makes me happy about the conservative tilt to SCOTUS is on the 2nd Amendment. Kavanaugh gives us a 5-4 pro RKBA court. I'll be even happier if Trump gets to replace Ginsburg too.

[u crank]

I'll be even happier if Trump gets to replace Ginsburg too.

The two oldest Justices are Ginsburg age 85 and Stephen Breyer, age 80. Both are from the liberal side of the court. Democrats would lose their minds if Trump got to replace both of them.

[August]

Canadians British and Polish to be exact. US involvement was limited to Patton's army near Maastricht and the 101st and 82nd during the Battle of Arnhem. We saved a lot of downed US pilots and bomber crew. Apart from that, who supported you lot when you fought against the British for your independence? Indeed, the Dutch Republic as well as the French. So you can thank us for that you bunch of ungrateful colonials!

Hazza! ;)


Well that's a far different tune than what your countrymen were singing the last time I was there. :)

The ones I met (perhaps they were biased being Nijmegeners) believed that Monty and the Brits had unnecessarily made a bloody shambles of their country and they wished that it had been the US running that part of the front instead. Now i'm not saying that had they got their wish we would really have done any better, but do you seriously think that anyone would have been along to liberate you at all without the US?

I mean if you want to call the efforts of the 82nd and 101st "limited" well that's one thing but even aside from the fact that a sizable part of the commonwealth forces was operating equipment that was made in the USA, there's no escaping that if it weren't for us there would have been no west front invasion in 1944 or maybe ever. In fact your liberators, if they ever came at all, would likely have been talking Russian. :yep:

As for our revolution I believe that Dutch support was limited to some financial loans and secret arms shipments no? French soldiers fought side by side with Americans. They shed their blood, gave their lives and eventually bankrupted themselves for our cause. That is not really the same thing, but thanks all the same and definitely mega dittos for not turning our downed bomber crews over to the Gestapo! You folks are just awesome! :up:



:D

[August]

The two oldest Justices are Ginsburg age 85 and Stephen Breyer, age 80. Both are from the liberal side of the court. Democrats would lose their minds if Trump got to replace both of them.


Heads would literally explode.

Actually seven Constitutionalists and a couple liberal firebrands for flavor almost sounds like a good mix for SCOTUS.

[em2nought]

They already had one, and as I recall, it didn't work out. Ran on a platform of making Germany great again too.


I don't think we're planning to put those 26 million illegal immigrants currently in the USA into ovens so.... yeah Donald Trump = Adolf Hitler :har:

[Buddahaid]

I never said he was and I don't think your average German was planning for that outcome either, but it did happen, and shows what can happen when the press is no longer free to criticize, and question, and be a thorn in the sides of politicians. Especially noisy ones that don't care what they say seemingly, or who gets hurt in the process.

No, he's not Hitler, I don't think he's smart enough to be that.

[August]

No, he's not Hitler, I don't think he's smart enough to be that.


Interesting that you'd see hitler, a man who led his country to complete destruction, as smart.

[mako88sb]

Well that's a far different tune than what your countrymen were singing the last time I was there. :)

The ones I met (perhaps they were biased being Nijmegeners) believed that Monty and the Brits had unnecessarily made a bloody shambles of their country

:D


I read Alan Brooke war diaries not too long ago and was surprised to see how little is mentioned about Market-Garden. He did state though, that he thought Monty should have concentrated on clearing the Scheldt instead.

[Bleiente]

... No, he's not Hitler, I don't think he's smart enough to be that.


The type is (thank god) stupid as bean straw.
Unfortunately, he has now done so much damage that no one can calculate the impact.


:03:

[em2nought]

Unfortunately, he has now done so much damage that no one can calculate the impact. Yep, renegotiating everything "we" give the farm away on is terrible. :har:



http://dissociatedpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/oh-the-huge-manatee.jpg

[August]

Yep, renegotiating everything "we" give the farm away on is terrible. :har:


Yes oh woe is us. Europeans prognosticating our imminent doom. You'd think they'd tire of being proved wrong for over 200 years now.

[em2nought]

Yes oh woe is us. Europeans prognosticating our imminent doom. You'd think they'd tire of being proved wrong for over 200 years now.


We are doomed, but at least Trump might have bought us another twenty or thirty years. :up:

[HunterICX]

Canadians British and Polish to be exact. US involvement was limited to Patton's army near Maastricht and the 101st and 82nd during the Battle of Arnhem.

Last time I checked Patton's Third army was out of fuel and supplies near Moselle which is aprox 250km away from Maastricht.

Well that's a far different tune than what your countrymen were singing the last time I was there. :)

The ones I met (perhaps they were biased being Nijmegeners) believed that Monty and the Brits had unnecessarily made a bloody shambles of their country and they wished that it had been the US running that part of the front instead. Now i'm not saying that had they got their wish we would really have done any better, but do you seriously think that anyone would have been along to liberate you at all without the US?

I guess it depends on where you'd ask in the Netherlands, the south who got liberated or the North who had to suffer through the ''Hongerwinter'' (Hunger Winter) when the Germans cut the food supplies as retaliation of the Dutch National Railway went on strike to help the allied efforts during Market Garden. But overal you'd find us grateful for liberating our country towards all who took part in it.

Anyway Hindsight, Monty's execution of the plan was a mess, too many risks and terrible use of intelligence. If the US was running the show they would have isolated the Netherlands and pushed straight through the Rheinland into Germany and if Patton had his way all the way to Berlin.

As for our revolution I believe that Dutch support was limited to some financial loans and secret arms shipments no? French soldiers fought side by side with Americans. They shed their blood, gave their lives and eventually bankrupted themselves for our cause. That is not really the same thing, but thanks all the same and definitely mega dittos for not turning our downed bomber crews over to the Gestapo! You folks are just awesome! :up:

Financial Loans, use of our Neutral ports by the French to covertly supply arms to the Americans, Dutch Merchants did so too via our West Indies colonies, we gave sanctuary to American Privateers, established Diplomatic relations with the US and while we didn't declare a military alliance with the French to fight Britain(something the Dutch people wanted), Britain did declare war upon us for the above since they saw our actions contravened the Republic's neutral stance (4th Anglo-Dutch War). Also on the on April 19 1782, the Dutch formally recognized the United States. For a small country that's realistically what you could expect even if we did wanted to do more.

As for hiding Air crew from the Gestapo, well...who did like the Gestapo anyway. :O:

[Dowly]

Anyway Hindsight, Monty's execution of the plan was a mess, too many risks and terrible use of intelligence.The plan nearly worked, it was the failure of the 82nd Airborne to take the Nijmegen bridge or at the very least secure the south end of it that botched the operation before it had barely began. Had the bridge been secure, German reinforcements couldn't have gotten to Nijmegen and fortify it, which would have made XXX Corps' job easier when they arrived on day 3. That in turn would have meant that there wouldn't have been a ~36 hour delay at Nijmegen and XXX Corps just might have been in time at Arnhem to help out 2PARA before they surrendered and in turn let the 9th SS Panzer Division over the Arnhem bridge to further cause XXX Corps headache post-Nijmegen.

"What is seldom understood is that the Arnhem battle was in reality won at Nijmegen.
If the Allies had taken the [Nijmegen]Bridge on the first day, it would have been all over
for us. Even if we had lost it on the second day, we would have had difficulty stopping
them. By the time the English tanks arrived, the matter was already decided."
- SS-Brigadeführer Heinz Harmel

[mako88sb]

The plan nearly worked, it was the failure of the 82nd Airborne to take the Nijmegen bridge or at the very least secure the south end of it that botched the operation before it had barely began. Had the bridge been secure, German reinforcements couldn't have gotten to Nijmegen and fortify it, which would have made XXX Corps' job easier when they arrived on day 3. That in turn would have meant that there wouldn't have been a ~36 hour delay at Nijmegen and XXX Corps just might have been in time at Arnhem to help out 2PARA before they surrendered and in turn let the 9th SS Panzer Division over the Arnhem bridge to further cause XXX Corps headache post-Nijmegen.

"What is seldom understood is that the Arnhem battle was in reality won at Nijmegen.
If the Allies had taken the [Nijmegen]Bridge on the first day, it would have been all over
for us. Even if we had lost it on the second day, we would have had difficulty stopping
them. By the time the English tanks arrived, the matter was already decided."
- SS-Brigadeführer Heinz Harmel

I'm currently reading Tim Saunder's "The Island" and it's pretty revealing just how bad for armored warfare the terrain was past Nijmegen towards Elst. Not sure if XXX Corps could have done it after finding out that info but yes, if the Yanks had secured the Nijmegen bridge on the first day, XXX Corps would have least had a chance.

[August]

Oh right it's all the 82nds fault. That's like saying the boat sank because the crew didn't bail fast enough, not because the Captain tore it's bottom out on the rocks.

The truth is that Market Garden was a poor operational plan that was doomed to failure from the start.

Aside from it's obvious deficiencies (not enough aircraft, a single road for the main advance, DZ's that were miles from their objectives, useless radios), it was also based on light resistance and the operation should have been cancelled once they found out the Germans had moved two Panzer divisions into the area (like the Dutch Underground told them).

Oh and it probably wasn't a good idea to let the complete set of operational maps and plans fall into the enemies hands on the first day of the operation either.

Then there was the failure of Monty to clear the Scheldt Estuary before launching the operation. Called "one of the greatest tactical mistakes of the war" it not only severely exacerbated and prolonged the Allies supply problems (they were still hauling everything up to the front over the Normandy beaches) but it also allowed an entire German army (the 15th I think) to escape and attack along the entire flank of the advance. That means the failure of Market Garden wasn't the fault of the Airborne, American, British or Pole, but directly with Montgomery and his staff.

Personally I think Ike should have told Monty to get stuffed and gave Patton supply priority instead. We'd have been across the Rhine in September or October '44 instead of March '45.

[Onkel Neal]

Anyway Hindsight, Monty's execution of the plan was a mess, too many risks and terrible use of intelligence. If the US was running the show they would have isolated the Netherlands and pushed straight through the Rheinland into Germany and if Patton had his way all the way to Berlin.



God, that would have been epic.

[Dowly]

Oh right it's all the 82nds fault. That's like saying the boat sank because the crew didn't bail fast enough, not because the Captain tore it's bottom out on the rocks.

The truth is that Market Garden was a poor operational plan that was doomed to failure from the start.This often repeated claim completely ignores what transpired on the ground during the operation. The various failures in the plan you mentioned don't offer a singular, primary reason for why the operation failed on the ground.

Failure to take Nijmegen on day 1 does.

[August]

This often repeated claim completely ignores what transpired on the ground during the operation. The various failures in the plan you mentioned don't offer a singular, primary reason for why the operation failed on the ground.

Failure to take Nijmegen on day 1 does.


Well then I bow to your lack of experience and knowledge on the subject.

[Mr Quatro]

I don't think August will wear this tee shirt ... perhaps vienna will :hmmm:

http://i3.cpcache.com/product/1781184672/dump_trump_dump_truck_tshirt.jpg?width=750&amp;height= 750&amp;Filters=%5b%7b%22name%22%3a%22crop%22%2c%22val ue%22%3a%7b%22x%22%3a62.5%2c%22y%22%3a0%2c%22w%22% 3a625%2c%22h%22%3a750%7d%2c%22sequence%22%3a1%7d%2 c%7b%22name%22%3a%22background%22%2c%22value%22%3a %22F2F2F2%22%2c%22sequence%22%3a2%7d%5d

[Dowly]

Well then I bow to your lack of experience and knowledge on the subject.
What a masterful argument, August. Bravo! :Kaleun_Applaud:

[Onkel Neal]

I like the wit and sarcasm that stays within the bounds of good taste, thumbs up

[August]

I don't think August will wear this tee shirt ... perhaps vienna will :hmmm:




Send it to Dowly. He'll wear it...

[nikimcbee]

https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/2557196808/image_400x400.jpg


Did I miss anything?


Meh, Reece's b-day thread is where it's at anyway.

[Buddahaid]

I got a kick out of this photo of Kavenough being sworn in. The look on his wife's face all us married men will recognize as that "yeah, sure" look.
https://cdnph.upi.com/collection/fp/upi/11747/910731b16516cce724b1731ca354a417/Brett-Kavanaugh-sworn-in-as-Supreme-Court-justice_1_1.jpg

[Aktungbby]

I got a kick out of this photo of Kavenough being sworn in. The look on his wife's face all us married men will recognize as that "yeah, sure" look. Don't sell the bosswife short; it's all about the retirement check...as the hubby of a newly retired DA my$elf and 27 years of political BS to show for it!:Kaleun_Salivating: those daughters are well-schooled in 'pokerface 101' as well!

[Dowly]

Send it to Dowly. He'll wear it...
I read on Cosmopolitan that purple clashes with my complexion. :-?

[Catfish]

The head's at the wrong side anyway :03:

[Dowly]

I'm sure you have a great idea for a post in your head when you set to write it, but it certainly doesn't transfer to text.

[vienna]

I don't think August will wear this tee shirt ... perhaps vienna will :hmmm:




Nah, I never wear t-shirts...

...goes against my cool, calculated street image...

...but, you can't disagree with the shirt's sentiment... :D










<O>

[August]

https://i.imgur.com/gh1pjzR.jpg

[nikimcbee]

Donald Trump is the stupidest person in the world ... but I am not surprised because his entire family consists of incestuous relatives, who are actually classified as mentally ill.
:salute:


....Which I find totally hilarious, because, could you imagine what it would be like to loose to such an idiot? I mean seriously, what kind of moron would loose to such a moron?


That must take a special kind of stupid.

[Buddahaid]

https://i.imgur.com/gh1pjzR.jpg

I like that one. It works for both parties. :o

[Catfish]

»Fake America great again«
Excellent report on how Trump got into his current position. Cambridge analytics and the real impact it had on the election:

https://www.arte.tv/de/videos/082806-000-A/fake-america-great-again/

Google translate:

https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=de&tl=en&js=y&prev=_t&hl=de&ie=UTF-8&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.arte.tv%2Fde%2Fvideos%2F082806-000-A%2Ffake-america-great-again%2F&edit-text=&act=url

"[...] also filtered easily accessible personal information, such as age, income, address, religion, or possession of firearms, from the Internet and matched it with purchased data from banks, credit card companies, and other social media giants, Google and Twitter.
[...] a network of actors who pursue common ideological goals with this strategy. The focus is on the obscure hedge fund billionaire and computer scientist Robert Mercer, who cleverly veiled his massive financial support for Trump, and his faithful aide Steve Bannon. [...]
[...]"Steve Bannon's psychological warfare mind**** tool."

Five people did all that, tailored messages directed at private addresses in camera, under exclusion from the public. It is impressive, the end of democracy by digital means. No wonder Russia is also going all along that way, and China.
“The connectivity that is the heart of globalisation can be exploited by states with hostile intent to further their aims.[…] The risks at stake are profound and represent a fundamental threat to our sovereignty.”
Alex Younger, head of MI6, December, 2016

Film only in german/french (or so i think? :hmmm:)


edit: also https://www.theguardian.com/news/2018/mar/17/data-war-whistleblower-christopher-wylie-faceook-nix-bannon-trump

[Dowly]

https://i.imgur.com/gh1pjzR.jpg
So, you'd be in favor for a President who has done sufficient crimes to not only have impeachment proceedings started against him, but actual impeachment reached and be pardoned for his crimes and then be reinstated as the President by playing the system?

Such patriotism. Much wow.


EDIT: Oh, and according to your constitution, Trump would have to be confirmed as VP by the people who impeached him. Logic!

[Skybird]

The problem is not the many who see how pointless it is to vote, but the problem is the few who think they should stick to the system and keep the political caste of parasites in power and legitimised office.


Politics as we know and define it, must be brought to an end. Politicians will always deny realities they do not like. On the day they stormed the bastille in Paris, the French king wrote in his diary "Rien - Nothing." The aristocratic class would have never volunteered to give up their priviliges and grab to power - thats why the revolution turned out to be so violent and bloody. It was the only way it could work.


These times will come back, both in Europe and the US. Those in power and priviliged positions will fight back and have tailored the system to be abl to do so. So the outcome is uncertain: the fall of states, or military dictatorships. Our children will learn about the outcome.


Boycott political parties and state offices. Become independent form their attempts to lure and bribe you into obedience. If you legitimise them, you play THEIR game by THEIR rules designed to protect THEIR interests. No government can hold itself at power without the use of violent force if the voter turnout is just 1 or 2%, or not even that.


End politics. Or politics will end us. We cannot afford political parties and career politicians anymore.

[Catfish]

^ No, it is cyberwarfare applied to politicians, and generally speaking military psychological operations used on the civilian society. Informational dominance, a set of techniques that includes rumour, disinformation and fake news. And it works "well", as you just proved.

"Politics is downstream from culture, so to change politics you need to change culture. And fashion trends are a useful proxy for that. Trump is like a pair of Uggs, or Crocs, basically. So how do you get from people thinking "Totally ugly" to the moment when everyone is wearing them?"

We are all f'd up, including politicians. You can extract Bannon from this definition as a politician, though. And Trump is only a marionette.

[u crank]

It's all about who to blame. Let's see . My how the list grows. The Electoral Collage, the Russians, James Comey, misogyny, Bernie Sanders, Fox News, Citizens United, the NRA, fake news and of course Cambridge Analytica. Did I miss anything?

As recently as 2011, the Democrats controlled the White House, 59 percent of the House, and a filibuster-proof 60 percent of the Senate. Under the same laws, the same Constitution, and with an almost identical electorate, the Democrats controlled the political branches of government with huge majorities. How did they lose it all? Because the people did not like what they did with that power once they had it. That’s not a broken system, it’s a democratic republic working as designed.

http://thefederalist.com/2018/10/11/dems-blaming-the-senate-for-their-problems-need-a-reality-check/

The sad thing about this is that Democrats and the progressive wing that seems to be taking over that party haven't learned a thing. A perfect example of that just played out in the Kavanaugh confirmation hearings. From Feinstein's shady behavior, to Booker's clown show, to crazies banging on the chamber door the left in America have lost their way. Continually try to blame or find excuses for the current political reality is not the way forward. Upping the ante on identity and gender politics is not the answer. Old white women blaming old white men is not the answer. It is time to look in the mirror and ask what are we doing wrong.

[Catfish]

You did not read the whole article. It is not about who to blame, it is about what really happened, how, and why.

I mean this article: The psychological warfare tool (https://www.theguardian.com/news/2018/mar/17/data-war-whistleblower-christopher-wylie-faceook-nix-bannon-trump)

[Bilge_Rat]

End politics. Or politics will end us. We cannot afford political parties and career politicians anymore.

and what pray tell is the alternative?

I firmly subscribe to what Winston Churchill said.

“Democracy is the worst form of government, except for all the others.”


All power corrupts, but at least we get a chance to throw the bums out every couple of years and put in a new set of bums. :up:

[u crank]

You did not read the whole article. It is not about who to blame, it is about what really happened, how, and why.

I mean this article: The psychological warfare tool (https://www.theguardian.com/news/2018/mar/17/data-war-whistleblower-christopher-wylie-faceook-nix-bannon-trump)

You are right I didn't. I wasn't actually referring to your post. Note that I didn't quote you. I did mention Cambridge Analytica because I read your post.

My post was about the article I linked in the Federalist. And it is all about how Democrats would like to change the playing field when they lose.

As to Cambridge Analytica and the use of data mining, well it's a brave new world. Just ask the people over at Google, Facebook and Twitter.

[MaDef]

and what pray tell is the alternative?
VIKI (Virtual Interactive Kinetic Intelligence), or Skynet, or HAL. :D

[Bleiente]

^ Skynet is real. :timeout:
Bot: http://translate.google.com/translate?hl=de&sl=auto&tl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wired.de%2Fcollection%2Ftech%2 Fdas-nsa-programm-skynet-soll-terroristen-identifizieren

Original: https://www.wired.de/collection/tech/das-nsa-programm-skynet-soll-terroristen-identifizieren

And about Trump... :O:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=esxHGDWtTsg

[Platapus]

https://i.imgur.com/gh1pjzR.jpg

Clearly made by someone who has no idea how things work in our government.

[u crank]

Clearly made by someone who has no idea how things work in our government.

Well actually if someone sees this and thinks that it is serious they have no idea how things work. I thought it was a joke, which I'm pretty sure it was intended to be. But yea if it is not a joke then sure.

[Bleiente]

The fact is - we are all totally lied to.
How should one decide there?!?
Quite simply - who spreads the greatest evil should automatically be the target of a massive resistance; if necessary with force of arms.

Unfortunately, feudalism has returned.
If they do not surrender, the fight against these parasites is inevitable.
We must use force of arms to force them to prevent this qualitatively absolutely abnormal as well as inferior build-up of capital bubbles.

If these parasites do not stop at the common good, there is only one option.

She and her unholy descendants are killed.



Fight against oppression and exploitation!!!


:salute:

[Onkel Neal]

Eh? Who exactly are these parasites? The capitalist overlords or the welfare dependents? Exactly how are you being exploited? Specific details, please.

[August]

Well actually if someone sees this and thinks that it is serious they have no idea how things work. I thought it was a joke, which I'm pretty sure it was intended to be. But yea if it is not a joke then sure.

Of course its a joke. Besides, nothing would stop Congress from impeaching the both of them if they were to try such shenanigans. You figure if they had the votes for it once they'd sure have them a second time.

[Dowly]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f1JhFt5YwuA

[u crank]

https://i.imgur.com/2iJvkPv.jpg

[Catfish]

Seems people listen to Trump's incitements..

"In the last 24 hours alone, bombs have been mailed to the homes of billionaire George Soros, Hillary and Bill Clinton, and the office of Barack Obama—basically, the three biggest boogeymen in the world according to rightwing conspiracy theories and Fox News."

[Dowly]

^ As well as CNN's New York office.

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-45969100


And of course, people like Alex Jones have already labeled these as false-flag operations to gather sympathy for Dems ahead of the midterms.

[em2nought]

^ As well as CNN's New York office.

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-45969100


And of course, people like Alex Jones have already labeled these as false-flag operations to gather sympathy for Dems ahead of the midterms.


It's probably because that's exactly what the are. :03: The left should be happy to know that not many will be able to read anything by Alex Jones since many conservative alternative news accounts have been removed from social media. :hmmm:


How do you get those addresses anyway? :hmmm: It's not really surprising after the Kavanaugh witch hunt showed what they're capable of in trying to get their way

[Catfish]

^ What's wrong with you people? Is there a virus?

[Mr Quatro]

^ What's wrong with you people? Is there a virus?

If you are any kind of armchair general ... you have to think the left, the liberal's, the democratic party is somehow involved in all of this.

Scare tactics this close to the trumped up mid-term elections that the GOP can't afford to lose would not spell the right wing, conservative, Republican party to me.

Are you poking fun at us Catfish?

This is a well planned scheme to __________ fill in the blanks.

[Buddahaid]

...many conservative alternative news accounts have been removed from social media. :hmmm:

And for no reason at all of course. :haha:

[Dowly]

^ What's wrong with you people? Is there a virus?
Yes, it's called stupidity.

[Buddahaid]

...what they're capable of in trying to get their way

So who is this "they"? Anyone who is not voting the Republican line?

[Catfish]

[...] Are you poking fun at us Catfish?
Fun? I'm german so of course not. Never. :O:


None of the bombs exploded? :hmmm:
Whoever did it, did a "good job" in further dividing and destabilizing.

[Onkel Neal]

Yeah, it appears the US is on its way to self-destruction.:hmmm:

[Skybird]

All targets were Democrats, or pro-Democrat. The attacker could still be from many camps. A right-wing nuthead, an ultra-nationalist or religious fanatic, an extreme Trump follower. Even the Russians meddling with the upcoming elections again - maybe their honeymoon with Trump is over and they fight him by raising sympathy with the victims: his political opponents (the bombs obviously were easy to find, none of now eight, or is it nine, detonated).

Anyway, Trump's seed opens. The gaps widen. The polarization progresses nicely. The trenches get dug deeper.

And two days ago a man harassed a woman on an airplane, confronted by the police he quoted Trump.

[Catfish]

Could also be a 'democrat' follower, or a right wing coup blaming it on democrats to discredit them; or a loony assassin.

Trump trashing the media again, prompting supporters to cheer "CNN SUCKS!". And now he calls for unity :haha:
Whatever, Trump in the headlines, #GOOD.

[Jimbuna]

Sending bombs in the mail to people who everyone knows don't open their mail...:hmmm:

[u crank]

All targets were Democrats, or pro-Democrat. The attacker could still be from many camps. A right-wing nuthead, an ultra-nationalist or religious fanatic, an extreme Trump follower. Even the Russians meddling with the upcoming elections again ....

Yea it could be any one of those possibilities Sky and probably is one of them. A disturbed individual no doubt. But you did leave out one possibility. I'm not going to say what that is because I don't want to be accused of stupidity or having a virus. I prefer to wait and see and I don't think it will take long. And I am not going to be the least bit surprised if it turns out to be something other than what is being pushed by the chimps at CNN and MSNBC. Not a bit.

[Dowly]

It's some crazy idiot sucked too deep into the whole QAnon crap. Obama, Soros and the Clinton(s) are all part of the demented ramblings of QAnon supporters.


Joe Biden and Robert De Niro have also reportedly been sent bombs:
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/10/25/nyregion/bomb-explosive-device.html?smid=fb-nytimes&smtyp=cur&fbclid=IwAR29oVjISz1hrsAvkoL_eIuU4AnFXzbrYg0HKnuZ0 fn_2xw-al2AuRfQ45Q

[Bilge_Rat]

I think its the Saudis….notice how no one is talking about Khashoggi anymore...:ping:

seriously, U.S. politics is going off the deep end, sad to see.

[Mr Quatro]

I think its the Saudis….notice how no one is talking about Khashoggi anymore...:ping:

seriously, U.S. politics is going off the deep end, sad to see.

The Jews did it :o

Didn't we use to have a member that blamed the Jews for everything :yep:

[Onkel Neal]

Does anyone else find it interesting that not a single one of these "bombs" caused any damage or detonated?

And this shows up right before an election.... Sounds familiar

[Mr Quatro]

Does anyone else find it interesting that not a single one of these "bombs" caused any damage or detonated?

And this shows up right before an election.... Sounds familiar

That is a good point and perhaps they were never intended to blow up (wraped in shredded glass).

Plus the six America flag stamps on each package and now for this:

Read carefully to see if you see any media mania in the coverage from:

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-packages/manhunt-under-way-after-bombs-sent-to-democrats-trump-critics-idUSKCN1MZ1CP

The two bombs sent to former Vice President Joe Biden and a third to actor Robert De Niro on Thursday were similar to the devices intended for several other high-profile Democrats and critics of U.S. President Donald Trump, authorities said.

[Dowly]

Suspect packages had this in common: a return address for Debbie Wasserman Schultz (https://www.miamiherald.com/news/article220549210.html)


Suspicious packages sent to Hillary Clinton, former President Barack Obama, former CIA Director John Brennan, former Attorney General Eric Holder and billionaire George Soros all had one thing in common: the return address was U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz’s office in Sunrise.

A package sent to an incorrect address for Holder in Washington, D.C., was returned to Wasserman Schultz’s Sunrise office, prompting the evacuation of her office on Wednesday morning. The return address included misspellings of the street name, Wasserman Schultz’s last name and the state of Florida.

A package addressed to Brennan and sent to CNN headquarters in New York had the same spelling errors as the package sent to Holder. Brennan does not work for CNN. He is a contributor to MSNBC. Packages for Obama and Clinton contained similar return addresses, according to law enforcement officials.
I rest my case, Your Honor; the sender's a redcap.

[u crank]

I rest my case, Your Honor; the sender's a redcap.

More likely a tinfoil hat.:O:

[Bleiente]

whisper...
Behind everything is HYDRA, they are making great progress. :o

[Dowly]

More likely a tinfoil hat.:O:
:hmmm:



What's the difference? :D

[u crank]

What's the difference? :D

Dowly.. 1 - u crank.. 0

I'll let myself out. :O:

[Mr Quatro]

Seed thought, "What if the sender misspelled the names and made mistakes on the addresses on purpose to look like a left or a right wing nut"

My TV is full of this stuff with bomb experts inspecting these package bombs, a map of all of the democrats that were targeted, including billionaire Sorus, who has been known to fund activist against the GOP. All less than two weeks before the mid-term elections ...

I hope the FBI uncovers this plot before the elections :yep:

[em2nought]

I hope the FBI uncovers this plot before the elections :yep:


It's come to the point that I hope the FBI isn't "involved". :hmmm:

http://www.bookwormroom.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Strzok-eyes.jpg

[August]

Does anyone else find it interesting that not a single one of these "bombs" caused any damage or detonated?

And this shows up right before an election.... Sounds familiar


It sure does. It's almost as if they weren't actually intended to work.

[Platapus]

I wonder what the chances are that when the person doing this is captured that he or she turns out to be a former military member who served in Iraq/AF?

[August]

I wonder what the chances are that when the person doing this is captured that he or she turns out to be a former military member who served in Iraq/AF?


Anything is possible but you'd think a vet could make a bomb that works.

[Platapus]

Anything is possible but you'd think a vet could make a bomb that works.

Speaking as a former EOD tech, building IEDs are one of those things where the theory and design are easy, the actual construction is a lot harder.

And that's a good thing.

[em2nought]

It sure does. It's almost as if they weren't actually intended to work.


Why how could that be? Surely somebody who hated these wonderful champions of foreigners' rights enough to send them bombs would surely want those bombs to explode? :hmmm:


Anybody with an Estes Rocketry catalog from the '70s can make "bombs". Estes always put a "what not to do" section in their catalog. Big oopsie! I bet they'd be sued to death today! LMAO Anyone with ___________ can make a device.

[August]

Speaking as a former EOD tech, building IEDs are one of those things where the theory and design are easy, the actual construction is a lot harder.

And that's a good thing.




I was just answering your question on the likelyhood that it's a war veteran. Whoever the perpetrator(s) are they are 0 for 10.

[Onkel Neal]

Glad no one was hurt, there is to much anger, hate, screaming, vulgarity and mob behavior these days. Time to shut off the social media and news and get some fishing done.

[vienna]

You know, it occurred to me there might be a third interested party at work here: Russia. We already know they have been very actively trying to interfere in the internal election politics of the US and there is already evidence of Russia seeking new ways to create chaos among the electorate and we also know they have been, through social media, playing both sides by posting inflammatory messages designed to deepen partisan rifts. It would not be that great of a leap to imagine their operatives would set up a situation like this bomb scare just to further their ends...














<O>

[Onkel Neal]

True, and if the identity remains unknown, more likely, I would say. If this is the work of a right wing nutcase, I don't think he would be clever enough to hide his tracks.

[Catfish]

Discrimination ! :wah:

[Jimbuna]

https://i.imgur.com/6JZO2bo.jpg

:O:

[Jimbuna]

A person has been arrested in connection with a mail-bombing campaign aimed at Trump critics, US officials say.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-45996655

[AVGWarhawk]

True, and if the identity remains unknown, more likely, I would say. If this is the work of a right wing nutcase, I don't think he would be clever enough to hide his tracks.

Concur. This individual can not spell and is geographically challenged. With that in mind...most certainly a popcorn trail to the front door.

[Mr Quatro]

It's all over CNN with constant surveillance of the van belonging to the man suspected of mailing the bombs being towed to a safe place for interior inspection.

The van is covered up hiding stickers that may reveal if he favors the GOP or Democrat's ...

Never mind they are now showing the side window of the van with anti-CNN stickers and pro Trump stickers. :oops:

One window has a complete POTUS seal on it showing Trumps face :o

Quick work FBI ... :yep:

PS Here's Trump now on live TV

[eddie]

Registered as a Republican in Florida back in 2016. Has a criminal record down there in Florida too!

[vienna]

Pipe Bomb Suspect Arrested in Florida; Criminal History Includes Bombing Threat --

https://www.nytimes.com/2018/10/26/nyregion/cnn-cory-booker-pipe-bombs-sent.html


Look: Close Up Photos of Van Allegedly Belonging to Pipe Bombs Suspect Include Democrats in Crosshairs --

https://www.thenewcivilrightsmovement.com/2018/10/look-close-up-photos-of-van-allegedly-belonging-to-pipe-bombs-suspect-include-democrats-in-crosshairs/










<O>

[em2nought]

Concur. This individual can not spell and is geographically challenged. With that in mind...most certainly a popcorn trail to the front door.


So improper spelling and lack of geographical awareness is indicative of somebody on the right wing? :roll:

[AVGWarhawk]

Well, that did not take long.

[Catfish]

So improper spelling and lack of geographical awareness is indicative of somebody on the right wing? :roll:

-> (http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/showpost.php?p=2574257&postcount=5643)

[Skybird]

No doubt the suspect is a democrat who pretends to be Republican to give Trump and his party a bad name. Just everybody can buy pro-Republican stickers and put them on a van. That he is a police-known criminal and Rebublican as they now report, proves nothing.

:88)


Trump's smartphone is broken, it seems: no rabble-rousing tirade on twitter so far.

[u crank]

Well, that did not take long.

This guy had to want to be caught. No way anybody is that dumb. Course he could be crazy.:D

[vienna]

So improper spelling and lack of geographical awareness is indicative of somebody on the right wing? :roll:


Apparently so:


Trump Says Campaign Funds Played No 'Roll' in Porn Star Payout: See His Administration's Worst Typos --

https://people.com/politics/president-trump-spelling-mistakes-typos-words/


Trump and his White House have made some embarrassing spelling mistakes — here are the worst ones --

https://www.businessinsider.com/trump-typos-spelling-tweets-unpresidented-2017-4


6 times Donald Trump totally goofed on geography --

https://theweek.com/speedreads/630379/6-times-donald-trump-totally-goofed-geography










<O>

[vienna]

More info on the bomb suspect:


Who is Cesar Altieri Sayoc? What we know about the suspected mail bomber arrested in Florida. --

https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2018/10/26/who-is-cesar-altieri-sayoc-what-we-know-about-suspected-mail-bomber-arrested-florida/?utm_term=.7b3a93acba44











<O>

[Catfish]

Washington Post?
You should know that all except Breitbart and Fox News is Fake News.

[u crank]

I guess you could say that Mr. Sayoc is not your model citizen.

[Onkel Neal]

The guy is a crank, but most obviously, a criminal.

Sayoc, who was previously known to law enforcement officials, has been arrested nearly a dozen times in Florida, including a 2002 arrest for making a bomb threat. His criminal record in the state extends to the early 1990s, starting with his arrest for larceny at the age of 29, according to state records. Other charges of larceny, grand theft and fraud would soon follow across the southern part of the state.

In the 2002 bomb threat case, Sayoc pleaded guilty to the felony without a trial and was sentenced to probation, records show.


Let me just say again, we need to toughen our justice system. People like this should never be let out.

[Onkel Neal]

On a side note, a funny one too:

Debra Gureghian, the general manager of New River Pizza & Fresh Kitchen in Fort Lauderdale, said Sayoc worked as a delivery truck driver for several months until he quit in January.

“He was crazed, that’s the best word for him,” she said. “There was something really off with him.”

The white van he drove to deliver pizzas was covered in disturbing images, she said, so the restaurant required him to park it on the side where it could not be seen.

“It was puppets with their heads cut off, mannequins with their heads cut off, Ku Klux Klan, a black person being hung, anti-gay symbols, torchings, bombings. You name it, it was all over his truck,” Gureghian said.

He was kept on because he did his work reliably, and good drivers are hard to find, she said.

Yeah, true, we even have to take the crazies.:doh:

[Jimbuna]

He's off the streets now, hopefully for a long time.

[August]

On a side note, a funny one too:



Yeah, true, we even have to take the crazies.:doh:


There is just no room in the bulging prison system for the merely crazy. We have to lock up far too many non violent offenders.

[mapuc]

As I see it, it's a huge different between a crazy person who's dangerous towards others than a crazy person who's harmless towards others

Markus

[August]

Just heard it in the news :nope:

https://www.nytimes.com/2018/10/27/us/active-shooter-pittsburgh-synagogue-shooting.html


Why are you posting this in the US Political thread? Anti-semitism hardly originates or is confined to the US. Wouldn't the terrorism thread be a better venue?

[Catfish]

This does not have the usual islamic background, but you are right.
Have moved the post.

[Rockstar]

Frankly I think neither subject ought to be discussed under 'politics' domestic or otherwise. Rather I think the likes of Sayoc, Bower, even Islamic terrorists etc, etc should be discussed under a new topic titled 'Murderers & The Mentally Disturbed'

Assigning these two to a politics thread, really?

[Buddahaid]

Really? Trump using incitful language to describe his opposition and heating up the people on the borderline has nothing to do with politics?

[August]

Really? Trump using incitful language to describe his opposition and heating up the people on the borderline has nothing to do with politics?


Really? How was this synagogue shooter motivated by Trump?

[Rockstar]

Yes really. Todays national political atmosphere cannot be blamed any one person. IMO those that think otherwise have much in common with Sayoc and Bower. Just as divisive, only difference is they're too cowardly to take it as far as they did. But dont fool yourself they think much the same way. Both have issues which can better addressed in the propsed '...mentally disturbed' thread.

[Buddahaid]

Really? How was this synagogue shooter motivated by Trump?

Sorry to be unclear. I agree the Synagogue is unrelated to my above post, but the bomb suspect fits to me. It seems like Trump could yell FIRE in a theater, or museum, and get away with it.

[August]

Sorry to be unclear. I agree the Synagogue is unrelated to my above post, but the bomb suspect fits to me. It seems like Trump could yell FIRE in a theater, or museum, and get away with it.




Well if Trump is responsible for the bomber then Bernie Sanders is responsible for the softball game shootings and who would be responsible for the ricin recently sent to Secretary Mattis?


Nuts come in all political flavors including nonpolitical.

[Buddahaid]

Fair enough I suppose. I think we all need to change from hyper-softs to softs to use an F1 euphemism.

[em2nought]

Well if Trump is responsible for the bomber then Bernie Sanders is responsible for the softball game shootings and who would be responsible for the ricin recently sent to Secretary Mattis?


Nuts come in all political flavors including nonpolitical.


Let's not forget that Obama is responsible for the murder of all police officers since he first became president if we're going to play that game, but let's not play that game since nobody wins kinda like global thermal nuclear war. :up:

[Catfish]

Nice how the right tries to sweep the latest changes in political behaviour under the carpet. You think Trump is getting away with it in the long run? We will see.

https://qz.com/1436267/trump-stochastic-terror-and-the-hate-that-ends-in-violence/

https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/dec/19/political-discord-incitement-donald-trump

https://www.newyorker.com/news/our-columnists/the-dangerously-thin-line-between-political-incitement-and-political-violence

[Rockstar]

I rest my case.

[Skybird]

Preach the wind - harvest the storm.

[u crank]

Nice how the right tries to sweep the latest changes in political behaviour under the carpet.

Preach the wind - harvest the storm.

https://i.imgur.com/Bjks3mp.jpg

[em2nought]

Another Republican hater with a gun.

https://www.jacksonville.com/news/20181029/republican-party-headquarters-in-volusia-county-vandalized-by-gunfire?template=ampart
https://www.jacksonville.com/storyimage/LK/20181029/NEWS/181026927/AR/0/AR-181026927.jpg?MaxW=600

[vienna]

Odd that there are so very few of them compared to the overwhelming numbers of Far-Right gunmen; also noted is the fact whoever did this fired only four shots, instead of clip after clip, into an unoccupied structure...


Going along with the usual conspiracy-theory type of extrapolations so in vogue nowadays, how sure are you the damage wasn't done by some GOP wingnut trying to make it seem like some GOP hater committed the crime? It seems rather convenient there were no occupants in the structure; wouldn't an act of hatred seem to require some blood be spilt as in the oh, so many Right-Wing/MAGA incidents? Seems awful neta for an act of 'terrorism'...












<O>

[em2nought]

also noted is the fact whoever did this fired only four shots, instead of clip after clip, into an unoccupied structure...

Kinda like mailing dud pipe bombs? :03:

[vienna]

Kinda like mailing dud pipe bombs? :03:


So, you do agree the shooting at the GOP strip mall office could very well, indeed probably be the work of a dissembling GOP operative seeking to create the impression the GOP is also a 'victim' rather than a for certain act by another party other than the GOP?... :03:














<O>

[vienna]

An interesting new twist:

Ecuador May Have Just Blown Robert Mueller's Russia Probe Wide Open --

https://lawandcrime.com/high-profile/ecuador-may-have-just-blown-robert-muellers-russia-probe-wide-open/


...And it looks like another of Trump's scams may come back to bite him:

Donald Trump Sued by Investors in Company He Endorsed on 'Celebrity Apprentice' --

https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/thr-esq/trump-sued-by-people-who-invested-company-he-endorsed-celebrity-apprentice-1155899

Trump Persuaded Struggling People to Invest in Scams, Lawsuit Says --

https://www.nytimes.com/2018/10/29/nyregion/trump-acn-lawsuit.html


At least Trump stills has a solid popularity rating...wait...what? ...Oh, ... ...This just in:

Trump’s Approval Rating Plunges Amid Wave of Pre-Midterm Violence --

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-10-29/trump-approval-rating-plunges-amid-violence-as-midterms-approach










<O>

[Onkel Neal]

So, you do agree the shooting at the GOP strip mall office could very well, indeed probably be the work of a dissembling GOP operative seeking to create the impression the GOP is also a 'victim' rather than a for certain act by another party other than the GOP?... :03:





Not impossible.

[Buddahaid]

How could a snowflake possibly do that? Gee, then I guess not all Democrats are snowflakes and not all Republicans are Nazis like some would have us believe. :hmmm:

[vienna]

Be careful! Such dangerous, rational thinking will only serve to annoy the wingnuts (Left or Right). Being logical and reasonable could upset and destroy the very fabric of America. Don't you know you've got to pick a side and adhere to it no matter what madness it espouses?...


I've got to go now; I thought I heard a 're-education' squad coming up the block... :03:












<O>

[Buddahaid]

I've got to go now; I thought I heard a 're-education' squad coming up the block... :03:
<O>

What do the Girl Scouts have to do with this?

[Dowly]

Mueller's office asks FBI to investigate claims that women were offered money to falsely accuse Mueller of sexual misconduct (https://nordic.businessinsider.com/mueller-fbi-investigation-women-offered-money-false-claims-2018-10?utm_source=reddit.com&r=US&IR=T)

The special counsel Robert Mueller's office has referred an alleged scheme to the FBI for investigation in which a political operative offered to pay women to falsely accuse Mueller of sexual misconduct and workplace harassment, a spokesman for his office told Business Insider.

"When we learned last week of allegations that women were offered money to make false claims about the Special Counsel, we immediately referred the matter to the FBI for investigation," the spokesman, Peter Carr, said in a statement.

The lobbyist at the center of the alleged scheme, Jack Burkman, claimed that on Thursday he "will reveal the first of Special Counsel Robert Mueller's sex assault victims."
:roll:

[Jimbuna]

Whether you believe in "birthright citizenship" or not I think an equally important factor is if an executive order can override the requirement for an Act of Congress.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-46034989

[Catfish]

Trump has signed so many presidential decrees and 'executive orders' that anyone following will have a hard time to revoke all this trash.
I just wonder why and how this is even possible, without congress.
Maybe Trump could reintroduce slavery by 'executive order'? :hmmm:

[u crank]

Trump has signed so many presidential decrees and 'executive orders' that anyone following will have a hard time to revoke all this trash.

Number of executive orders by the last 5 Presidents.

George H. W. Bush (1989–1993) 166

Bill Clinton (1993–2001) 364

George W. Bush (2001–2009) 291

Barack Obama (2009–2017) 276

Donald Trump (2017–present) 85

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_United_States_federal_executive_orders

I just wonder why and how this is even possible, without congress.

If you were willing to do a little research you could find that out.

Maybe Trump could reintroduce slavery by 'executive order'? :hmmm:

:nope::nope::nope:

[em2nought]

Trump has signed so many presidential decrees and 'executive orders' that anyone following will have a hard time to revoke all this trash.
I just wonder why and how this is even possible, without congress.
Maybe Trump could reintroduce slavery by 'executive order'? :hmmm:


Will still be awhile before President Trump matches President Obama's 275 executive orders. :03:


Please seek treatment for your Trump Derangement Syndrome. :D

[Catfish]

Will still be awhile before President Trump matches President Obama's 275 executive orders. :03:
Please seek treatment for your Trump Derangement Syndrome. :D

Point taken :haha:

[August]

There is a key phrase in the 14th amendment: "and subject to the jurisdiction thereof."


There are some who say this means that illegal aliens (opposed to legal immigrants), are by definition foreign citizens subject to the jurisdiction of their home countries, not the US, and therefore are not included in the 14th amendment protection.



I'm probably not stating it the best but i am pretty sure that's the general idea.

[Platapus]

We can't have it both ways.

If we consider that illegal aliens are not "subject to the jurisdiction thereof" Then we can't be throwing them in jail (we don't have jurisdiction) and the 14th amendment does not apply to them

If we consider that illegal aliens are "subject to the jurisdiction thereof" and we can throw them in jail (we do have jurisdiction) , then the 14th amendment applies to them.

We can't say that the 14th amendment sometimes applies and sometimes doesn't.


Traditionally and through court decisions the term "subject to the jurisdiction thereof" applies to people that have special diplomatic type relationships meaning that they are still bound by the jurisdiction of their host.

For the record, I believe that the 14th amendment needs to be rewritten, but that needs to follow the approved processes for amending the constitution, not an EO.

[vienna]

Number of executive orders by the last 5 Presidents.

George H. W. Bush (1989–1993) 166

Bill Clinton (1993–2001) 364

George W. Bush (2001–2009) 291

Barack Obama (2009–2017) 276

Donald Trump (2017–present) 85
...



It should be noted that, with the exception of GHW Bush, who only served one term of four years, the other listed Presidents' totals are for an eight year period and Trump's is only a bit over two years; at 85 EOs issued thus far, Trump is on pace to issue approximately 340 EOs, if he manages, by some sad twist of fate, to serve two full terms. Hey, he might even be able to surpass Clinton's record...

I am enjoying how the attempt to smear Mueller came apart at the seams like a very cheap, shoddy suit. How they ever thought they were going to get away with their farce is beyond comedy... :haha:











<O>

[u crank]

It should be noted that, with the exception of GHW Bush, who only served one term of four years, the other listed Presidents' totals are for an eight year period and Trump's is only a bit over two years;

That should be pretty obvious as I gave the dates, but thanks for pointing that out. :haha:

My reason for that post is to point out another obvious fact.....recent Presidents have issued a lot of executive orders.

[vienna]

Trump's about on par in the count...

...unless you discount all his EOs that have been voided or called back because they were illegal or in violation of the pesky Constitution thing... :haha:

Watching all the reports on Trump's latest efforts to ignore the Constitution, the statement by Trump that House Speaker Paul Ryan knows nothing about birthright citizenship:




“Paul Ryan should be focusing on holding the Majority rather than giving his opinions on Birthright Citizenship, something he knows nothing about!”





https://www.foxnews.com/politics/trump-turns-on-ryan-says-he-knows-nothing-about-birthright-citizenship

Such a statement coming from someone who entered the Oval Office with virtually no knowledge of this country, its history, or it laws would be laughable if it, and he weren't so damnably pathetic. I say we have Trump take the citizenship test that is required of all immigrants seeking naturalization and let's see how he fares; or better yet let's have him take a grade school civics test and see if he passes. This nation has sunk pretty low when a moron is allowed to take the helm...

Its going to be interesting to see the fallout if the GOP loses the House; normally, the House Speaker, being the ranking party member, if his party loses control is saddled with the blame for the loss; but Ryan, who has already refused to stand for reelection and will be leaving the House at the end of the term, won't be around to be the scapegoat; I also think no rational, sensible person could in any logical way place the blame for a GOP loss of control st Ryan's doorstep; I have had a long respect for Ryan and, even though I have questioned some of his recent choices, I do understand their basis; it is a damned shame such a capable individual will be smeared with the detritus spewed by the Great Trumpkin...












<O>

[August]

How many of Trumps Executive Orders were rescinding Obamas Executive Orders?

[u crank]

Its going to be interesting to see the fallout if the GOP loses the House..

If Trump's loss rate is less than Obama's 2010 score, 63, ya know he's gonna brag about it.:D

As to the Birthright Citizenship thing... come on. If you don't realize that this is Trump playing to his base just days before an election you haven't been paying attention.

[vienna]

How many of Trumps Executive Orders were rescinding Obamas Executive Orders?



...and how many of of Trump's recinds were knocked down by courts or are still in limbo pending court action? Just look at how many times he had to issue his travel ban because he and his idiot minions had no idea of how to properly (or logically) frame and issue an EO. The guy's shot himself in the rear so many times, its amazing he's got any cheeks left. That is one big point regarding next Tuesday's mid-terms: there is still a rather high possibility Trump will do or say something to scotch the GOP needlessly...

...and the idiot stupidity doesn't fall far from the tree:

Twitter Users Needle Donald Trump Jr. For Telling People To Vote On The Wrong Day --

https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/donald-trump-jr-vote-wrong-day_us_5bd9e3e9e4b0da7bfc1674be

I'm sure the DEMs hope the loyal Right will heed the sage advice of Trump Jr. ... :D










<O>

[vienna]

If Trump's loss rate is less than Obama's 2010 score, 63, ya know he's gonna brag about it.:D

As to the Birthright Citizenship thing... come on. If you don't realize that this is Trump playing to his base just days before an election you haven't been paying attention.


Oh, I'm sure, if the GOP loses the House, Trump will do everything to make it look like lollypops and kittens; Trump is the King of the stumbling "I really meant to do that" stance. What I meant by the fallout was in reference to the GOP leadership and how they will view such a loss, if it happens: Ryan won't be around to be the whipping boy and I din't expect any of the high level GOP leaders to take on that mantle; the possibility they would leap at the chance to dump Trump if a DEM-led House moves on impeachment may be greatly increased. I've noted, of late, how Pence has made himself a bit more prominent of late, such as making quick statements of sympathy in the last two tragedies, preempting Trump. Could it be there is movement in the GOP background to make Pence a more attractive alternative to the public as a means of easing out Trump?...


...and. of course I know Trump's playing to his base, as likewise idiotic, lame and un-knowledgeable hey are as their leader, and I also know its only because he knows if he really addressed the base issues voters are concerned about; polls have shown voters are more concerned about the future of health care, the state of the economy, and other close-to-home matters than they are about the hoo-haa and bluster Trump is espousing. The main problem with those issues is Trump, in particular, and the GOP, in general, have little or nothing to campaign on in those issues. It should be remembered neither Trump, nor the GOP, achieved a clear mandate in the 2016 Election and Trump, in particular, couldn't even get a plurality of the popular vote, even running against a dud of a candidate as Hillary Clinton; his base is, and has thus far been, a marked minority of the total voter pool. I don't know what its like in other parts of the country, or even in Northern California, for that matter, but here in SoCal, immigration isn't really all that big an issue in the candidate's ads; and, even more noteworthy, the GOP candidates, even in the highly GOP Orange County, are staying as far away as possible from being tied to Trump. In fact, an awful lot of the ads this go-around aren't being paid for and presented by specific candidates or, regarding ballot issues, organized committees, but, rather, by a slew of PACs, many of them being funded by out-of-state concerns. I would be very curious to hear how the campaigns have been presented in other areas of the US...














<O>

[em2nought]

I am enjoying how the attempt to smear Mueller came apart at the seams like a very cheap, shoddy suit. How they ever thought they were going to get away with their farce is beyond comedy...


Being rank amateurs at tomfoolery, they should know better than to attempt something sleazy which only seasoned democrats have the ability to pull off time and time again. :har:

[August]

Why Did Media And Democrats Abandon Their Investigation Into Brett Kavanaugh? (http://thefederalist.com/2018/10/31/why-did-media-and-democrats-abandon-their-investigation-into-brett-kavanaugh/)

If Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh is really a rapist and sexual assailant, as Democrats and media claimed, shouldn't the story continue to be covered?


What happened to the multiple allegations of sexual misconduct levied against Brett Kavanaugh during his confirmation battle? The claims ranged from Christine Blasey Ford’s remotely plausible if unsubstantiated allegation of a violent attempted rape to Michael Avenatti’s completely outlandish and also unsubstantiated allegation of hosting serial gang rape parties.
From September 12 to October 6, the claims absolutely dominated all major media. They ran on the front pages of all major newspapers and filled the hours on cable and network news. Magazine journalists at The New Yorker ran with the claims, despite massive corroboration problems.
The claims were taken so seriously by the media and some U.S. senators it led to serious delays of the confirmation voting process. A hearing was held during and after which all the talking heads on cable asserted Blasey Ford was completely “credible.” Sen. Jeff Flake, R-Arizona, even maneuvered to reopen an FBI investigation to dig into the claims. Then they disappeared. Overnight.




http://thefederalist.com/2018/10/31/why-did-media-and-democrats-abandon-their-investigation-into-brett-kavanaugh/




I know why. It's because it was a political hit job that never had a basis in reality.

[u crank]

...and. of course I know Trump's playing to his base, as likewise idiotic, lame and un-knowledgeable hey are as their leader....

That right there is one of the reasons why people voted for Trump. Don't think it won't happen again.

[em2nought]

That right there is one of the reasons why people voted for Trump. Don't think it won't happen again.


Shhhhh, don't help them figure that out! :03:

[vienna]

That right there is one of the reasons why people voted for Trump. Don't think it won't happen again.


Well, you know, there were darn few of them who actually did vote for Trump, himself, and all those who voted for him because they didn't want vote for Hillary now have no real reason to continue to vote for him...


...and these are the mid-terms, no Hillary, no electoral college to game, no place to hide inadequacies behind bluster when it comes to the local elections for Congress, just voters, the majority of whom did not vote for Trump in 2016, having to decide if they'll vote for a GOP candidate without the threat of the Dreaded Hillary... :haha:


It is really, really interesting how very many of the GOP candidates running for Congress are bending over backward to distance themselves from the failure that is Trump. You'd think, if Trump were truly such a big asset (well, he actually does have a big asset :D) to the GOP, the candidates would be glomming on to his wholeheartedly; instead, they are avoiding him like the plague. It will be interesting to see how strong Trump's 'coattails' really are...












<O>

[vienna]

Being rank amateurs at tomfoolery, they should know better than to attempt something sleazy which only seasoned democrats have the ability to pull off time and time again. :har:


That and the innate incompetence, ignorance, and overweening self-importance of the Trumpettes should have made them think twice; but you know the saying:


https://co2islife.files.wordpress.com/2018/03/john-wayne-quotes-9.png?w=840


:har:











<O>

[mapuc]

As I see it.

It's not the question of how many executive orders the President makes.

The question should be

Are those executive orders the President have made correct ?

Markus

[Buddahaid]

Of course they are. Trump has never made a mistake in his life.

[vienna]

As I see it.

It's not the question of how many executive orders the President makes.

The question should be

Are those executive orders the President have made correct ?

Markus


Absolutely. It not a question of quantity, its a question of quality and efficacy. Unfortunately, the QC of the Trump administration, is sorely lacking. There actually is a definitive process for issuing EOs mandated by, you guessed it, an EO, or, actually a series of EOs with the original process defined decades ago and amended to reflect changes necessary to keep the process current with contemporary needs and nomenclature. Every President, before Trump, has been given a copy of the process upon entering office, usually by the White House staff through the Chief of Staff; it is obvious Trump has never read the process or has blatantly chosen to ignore it. The principal purpose of the process was to ensure a proposed EO meets legal and Constitutional scrutiny, and/or, to determine the fiscal impact of an EO on the Government and the citizens of the US. If Trump wishes to issue poorly crafted EOs, then the embarrassment of their failure is squarely at his door...














<O>

[mapuc]

Of course they are. Trump has never made a mistake in his life.


That's up to the American to decide if they are correct or not.

It was not Just Mr. Trump I had in my mind, I was thinking about the former President.

Are their executive orders correct or not.

Markus

[Sailor Steve]

That and the innate incompetence, ignorance, and overweening self-importance of the Trumpettes should have made them think twice; but you know the saying:
Apparently you don't. A quick fact check would show that John Wayne never said that, in real life or in any movie role. It was said by Steven Keats in The Friends of Eddie Coyle.

[vienna]

That's up to the American to decide if they are correct or not.

It was not Just Mr. Trump I had in my mind, I was thinking about the former President.

Are their executive orders correct or not.

Markus



It depends on what you mean by 'correct'. Do you mean are they legal? they are, unless they violate the Constitution, something the court system, with the SCOTUS being the final arbiter, has to determine if there is a challenge. Do you mean are they properly issued? If they follow the process set down for the vetting of an EO before issuance, they very most likely are 'correct', although, again, if found to be un-Constitutional, then they are not 'correct'. F you mean are they ethically or morally 'correct', that is determined on an order by order basis and is more likely to be judged by history. The forced internment of American citizens of Japanese descent in concentration camps by the US military in 1942 upon an Executive Order issued by Franklin Roosevelt, was a grossly immoral, unethical, and, ultimately, illegal use of the power of the EO; it is still a great national embarrassment for a nation that prides itself of equal rights, morality, ethics, and the evenly applied rule of law...














<O>

[vienna]

Apparently you don't. A quick fact check would show that John Wayne never said that, in real life or in any movie role. It was said by Steven Keats in The Friends of Eddie Coyle.


Thanks, Steve, for the correction. I had heard of the quote long ago as being attributed to Wayne and had not heard otherwise, so my mistake... :salute:

Either way, its still a very good quote...


EDIT:

I just did a quick check of the quote and there is an awful lot of links attributing the quote to Wayne. However, I did find this:

What movie did JOHN WAYNE say "Life is hard; it's harder if you're stupid"? --




Best Answer: None. What he said as Sargeant Stryker in "The Sands of Iwo Jima" is "Life is tough; it's tougher when you're stupid." The one you quoted is from the novel and movie, "The Friends of Eddie Coyle". John Wayne was not in that film.
https://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20110628083008AAGcW58

...and, guess what, even that is apparently wrong. Other links say Wayne never said the line in any of his movies. It would appear the quote falls into the category of lines like "Play it again, Sam"...

Still, again, it's a good quote...









<O>

[Bilge_Rat]

...and. of course I know Trump's playing to his base, as likewise idiotic, lame and un-knowledgeable hey are as their leader,

<O>

funny, that is increasingly how I view liberals these days, mindless sheep who cannot think for themselves and need to be told what they should think...:haha:

[Dowly]

funny, that is increasingly how I view liberals these days, mindless sheep who cannot think for themselves and need to be told what they should think...:haha:Funny how this "sheep" thing is always used by those who can't think for themselves.


"WAKE UP SHEEPLES!! THINK FOR YOURSELVES!!!111"
*goes back to listen to what they should think by their favourite propaganda/conspiracy outlet*

[Bilge_Rat]

Funny how this "sheep" thing is always used by those who can't think for themselves.



Don't worry, we don't hold it against you. You pretty much gave yourself away with your Avatar and your postings in this thread. :arrgh!:

[Dowly]

It's an alpaca you ignorant racist!

[Bilge_Rat]

It's an alpaca you ignorant racist!

yup, proving my point yet again about so called "tolerant liberals". :haha:

you are so easy to bait...

[Dowly]

yup, proving my point yet again about so called "tolerant liberals". :haha:

you are so easy to bait...


Talk about being easily baited. :haha:

[Onkel Neal]

Well, you know, there were darn few of them who actually did vote for Trump, himself, and all those who voted for him because they didn't want vote for Hillary now have no real reason to continue to vote for him...


<O>

Au contraire. Speaking as someone who did not vote for Donald Trump 2 years ago, now that I see he means what he says and does support the conservative agenda, I sure will vote for him next time. And I work with and know quite a few other guys that say the same thing. There are a lot of votes he did not get in his first election that he is earned by taking on the left and the dishonest media and not buckling under.

[August]

Au contraire. Speaking as someone who did not vote for Donald Trump 2 years ago, now that I see he means what he says and does support the conservative agenda, I sure will vote for him next time. And I work with and know quite a few other guys that say the same thing. There are a lot of votes he did not get in his first election that he is earned by taking on the left and the dishonest media and not buckling under.


Add me to that list. Last time I voted for Johnson, mainly because he had a slightly better shot at beating Clinton in this state than Trump did but this time i'm gonna waste my vote on Trump (Dems will take the state regardless). First president in my lifetime that actually tries to keep his campaign promises.

[Platapus]

Well at least we know that Trump tries to tell the truth.

He is just not very good at it I guess.

[nikimcbee]

Au contraire. Speaking as someone who did not vote for Donald Trump 2 years ago, now that I see he means what he says and does support the conservative agenda, I sure will vote for him next time. And I work with and know quite a few other guys that say the same thing. There are a lot of votes he did not get in his first election that he is earned by taking on the left and the dishonest media and not buckling under.


Ditto.


Who do you think will be the pre-selected dem candidate?

[nikimcbee]

The beast?
Token Bernie?

[mapuc]

It depends on what you mean by 'correct'. Do you mean are they legal? they are, unless they violate the Constitution, something the court system, with the SCOTUS being the final arbiter, has to determine if there is a challenge. Do you mean are they properly issued? If they follow the process set down for the vetting of an EO before issuance, they very most likely are 'correct', although, again, if found to be un-Constitutional, then they are not 'correct'. F you mean are they ethically or morally 'correct', that is determined on an order by order basis and is more likely to be judged by history. The forced internment of American citizens of Japanese descent in concentration camps by the US military in 1942 upon an Executive Order issued by Franklin Roosevelt, was a grossly immoral, unethical, and, ultimately, illegal use of the power of the EO; it is still a great national embarrassment for a nation that prides itself of equal rights, morality, ethics, and the evenly applied rule of law...














<O>

I was thinking more like in the voters point-of-view

I have been rethinking ´cause a voter whether he or she is for or against the President will base his or her " it's a correct EO" or "it's not a correct EP" on their political standpoint and not from a neutral standpoint.

I still say it must not depend on how many EO a president makes or do.

Markus

[Buddahaid]

Of course, it's not a contest to see who make the most. I wish they could make none personally as it stinks of imperial edict. My vote will depend on who stinks less to me, not the party they represent.

The first thing I do is toss every bit of mail sloganeering into the paper recycle bin without a glance.

[eddie]

Au contraire. Speaking as someone who did not vote for Donald Trump 2 years ago, now that I see he means what he says and does support the conservative agenda, I sure will vote for him next time. And I work with and know quite a few other guys that say the same thing. There are a lot of votes he did not get in his first election that he is earned by taking on the left and the dishonest media and not buckling under.


Dishonest media? Because it doesn't flatter the huckster called Trump,lol You and the rest of the conservatives seem to forget the dishonest Bull crap you put out about Obama at times! Forget about Operation Jade Helm 15 already!?! What a stupid bunch of BS that was. Obama going to declare Martial Law down in Texas, so even the stupid Governor of Texas fell for it!!:haha::haha: Then you had to bring in big tough guy Chuck Norris to say the same thing! Such class! Then the next big bag of BS the right put out was about all the rounds of ammunition the Dept of Homeland Security was buying secretly, because Obama was going to declare Martial Law again and take over the country!!:haha::haha: Then when the riots broke out in Baltimore in 2015 after the shooting of Freddy Gray, Obama was going to declare Martial Law AGAIN in that city this time!! Is all that Martial Law stuff still going to come true or do we still have to wait fror Obama to declare it,lol

[Catfish]

Sometimes i think i'm an alien when i read those pro-Trump comments :doh:

I just heard in the radio that the people in the rust belt are "a bit" disappointed with Trump, because he obviously did not mean the middle class and workers, when he promised all those benefits out of the blue. In the rust belt there are less jobs now, a rise of ~4 percent for those fewer who kept their jobs and steel is becoming so expensive that the economy does not really benefit.

True is Trump reduced taxes for big business, while taking the money for that from health care, firing workers, unemployment insurance and reducing job programs initiated by his predecessors. Did i mention his crashing the EPA with his puppet Pruitt, the reducing of former protected nature parks to allow companies to mine and driill in those areas.
While the whole world sans China and Russia has accepted to do something pro environment, Trump drops all of it and makes the USA step back fifty years.

That he rallies against women, stokes fear of foreigners and incites violence against anyone who has left a bit of common sense is his usual bull and it seems people there begin to see through that diversion. If he is a voice of something, it's that of big business.


OT since someone mentioned the Trump derangement syndrome. :D

Yes, i 'suffer' from it, 100 percent. And you know why?
The sheer sight of this man makes me vomit. He appeals to the lowest instincts. His body language, his hate speeches, his "trying-to-look-clever"-look, his grinning.. Yes. I despise him, completely. This "man" is a spoiled brat, a poser, dumb and incompetent. A divider and a liar.

And this has nothing to do with democrats or republicans, or with a step left or a step right, this is about stepping backward in all fields, a failure, from science, to empathy, to unification of US people, to diplomacy, to enlightenment, to sympathy, to economics. Incompetence on steroids.

So there you have it.
I know this will not change anything, i'm not that delusional :haha::03:

[Skybird]

Whatever the hidden and long-term costs of Trumponomics - they will need to be paid, without mercy. Those who now support them, then still will not admit the negative he brought, becasue that would mean they need to admit they failed in their judgement. And so, most likely the deepening rifts and divisions in society, this high employment rate at the cost of many workers being unable to plan for the future and their high age with the wages they are beign paid, the sharpening of conflicts between rich and not-so-rich, will continue, long after Trump is gone again one day.


I do not know if the Russians planned this far and expected this long- termed consequences when they started to invest into Trump. But it certainly is a great strategic benefit they enjoy from this, with even more geostrategic benefits resulting from it.


Much shine, little substance, in Trump. But many fall for right this: the shine. The willingness to get fooled like this, the easyness by which this folly can be imposed on people, shows how deep the dissatisfaction with the existing parties, and their rites and habits , egoism and corruption, indeed was and is.



I stick to it: Trump is not so much the cause, he is merely a symptom.

[Bilge_Rat]

The sheer sight of this man makes me vomit.

:

Funny, that is how I feel about Merkel and most of the Euro-trash politicos who could not make a tough decision if their life depended on it. They love to criticize the U.S.A., but always expect the U.S.A. to bail them out.

What foreigners are too dense to realize is that the fact that foreigners, especially Europeans don't like POTUS is actually a bonus to Trump supporters. It means he is doing a good job for Americans.

[Catfish]

You did not read what i wrote, or you did not get the meaning.
For me his body language is so revealing and unsympathetic that I plain cannot understand how some people do not (want to) see that. It is not about republicans, or left or right, or about Europe.

We will see if his decisions are good for the USA in the long run. Problem for us in Europe is of course that worldwide trade depends in part on decisions of that man, with all what comes later. While i understand that a hard stance is being needed against e.g. China, i cannot understand the throwing overboard of social, technical and scientific achievements, of international treaties, trade and bonds that needed decades to develop. I also think he is dividing the US public. Just because something is bad for others, does not automatically mean it is good for the US.
For me it looks as if mankind is drifting back to the middle ages.

[Bilge_Rat]

You did not read what i wrote, or you did not get the meaning.
For me his body language is so revealing and unsympathetic that I plain cannot understand how some people do not (want to) see that. It is not about republicans, or left or right, or about Europe.


well no, it is actually quite easy to understand and you would understand if you were not so pre-programmed by your biased Euro group-think.

It is the same reason so many voters liked Reagan, even though he was the same type of right-wing conservative.

Reagan was a S.O.B., but he was America's S.O.B. it's a tough world out there and you don't need a mealy-mouth, weak-kneed, politically-correct, Euro-loving, poll-reading politician who won't make any decisions that might offend some obscure interest group.

You need someone who is not afraid to make the tough decisions and that is Trump.

[ikalugin]

I do not know if the Russians planned this far and expected this long- termed consequences when they started to invest into Trump. But it certainly is a great strategic benefit they enjoy from this, with even more geostrategic benefits resulting from it.
Consider this - thinking that all the problems in the US are caused by Russia is detrimental to the USA, as it distracts the decisionmakers from fixing those problems.


So in the way anti-Russian paranoia can be interpreted as... being pro-Russian.

[AVGWarhawk]

You did not read what i wrote, or you did not get the meaning.
For me his body language is so revealing and unsympathetic that I plain cannot understand how some people do not (want to) see that. It is not about republicans, or left or right, or about Europe.

We will see if his decisions are good for the USA in the long run. Problem for us in Europe is of course that worldwide trade depends in part on decisions of that man, with all what comes later. While i understand that a hard stance is being needed against e.g. China, i cannot understand the throwing overboard of social, technical and scientific achievements, of international treaties, trade and bonds that needed decades to develop. I also think he is dividing the US public. Just because something is bad for others, does not automatically mean it is good for the US.
For me it looks as if mankind is drifting back to the middle ages.

The division was always there for decades. Trump did not start it. It smoldered for a very long time. Many stayed quiet. 8 years under Obama it caught a spark and small flame. Obama was anything but a unifier. Until, there was one guy who started talking their language. I predicted a Trump win from day one. I got the Subsim t-shirt and coffee mug to prove it.

[AVGWarhawk]

Reagan was a S.O.B., but he was America's S.O.B. it's a tough world out there and you don't need a mealy-mouth, weak-kneed, politically-correct, Euro-loving, poll-reading politician who won't make any decisions that might offend some obscure interest group.

You need someone who is not afraid to make the tough decisions and that is Trump.

I concur. The tin can has been kicked down the road for far to long.

[Mr Quatro]

Au contraire. Speaking as someone who did not vote for Donald Trump 2 years ago, now that I see he means what he says and does support the conservative agenda, I sure will vote for him next time. And I work with and know quite a few other guys that say the same thing. There are a lot of votes he did not get in his first election that he is earned by taking on the left and the dishonest media and not buckling under.

Add me to that list. Last time I voted for Johnson, mainly because he had a slightly better shot at beating Clinton in this state than Trump did but this time i'm gonna waste my vote on Trump (Dems will take the state regardless). First president in my lifetime that actually tries to keep his campaign promises.

Ditto.


Who do you think will be the pre-selected dem candidate?


I don't understand ... You guys are talking the year 2020 when this is the year 2018.

You must mean President Trump's party :yep:

All things in the government go on hold for two (2) years if the GOP loses :o

[em2nought]

Reagan was a S.O.B., but he was America's S.O.B. it's a tough world out there and you don't need a mealy-mouth, weak-kneed, politically-correct, Euro-loving, poll-reading politician who won't make any decisions that might offend some obscure interest group.

You need someone who is not afraid to make the tough decisions and that is Trump.


I think I love you :D

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t_5o4b9aC4w


This is in no way an endorsement for those gun grabbers at Levi's :03:

[u crank]

OT since someone mentioned the Trump derangement syndrome. :D

Yes, i 'suffer' from it, 100 percent.

Yea both you and Skybird have got it bad. Not good for your health. Relax. Have a drink.

Anyway here is a perfect snapshot of the diversity in American political thought. These were the first two articles that appeared on the RCP website this morning. One "Vote for Democrats to end Trump assaults on truth, health care and families" is by the current Chair of the Democratic National Committee, Tom Perez.

https://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/2018/11/02/vote-democrats-reject-trump-scandals-lies-policies-tom-perez-column/1836205002/

The other is by by Rep.Paul Ryan who is the speaker of the house. It's titled "Vote Republican to Keep America Prosperous".

https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/opinion/op-eds/speaker-paul-ryan-vote-republican-keep-america-prosperous

You would swear that these two men are talking about two different countries. Maybe they are.

[Onkel Neal]

Sometimes i think i'm an alien when i read those pro-Trump comments :doh:

I just heard in the radio that the people in the rust belt are "a bit" disappointed with Trump, because he obviously did not mean the middle class and workers, when he promised all those benefits out of the blue. In the rust belt there are less jobs now, a rise of ~4 percent for those fewer who kept their jobs and steel is becoming so expensive that the economy does not really benefit.

True is Trump reduced taxes for big business, while taking the money for that from health care, firing workers, unemployment insurance and reducing job programs initiated by his predecessors. Did i mention his crashing the EPA with his puppet Pruitt, the reducing of former protected nature parks to allow companies to mine and driill in those areas.
While the whole world sans China and Russia has accepted to do something pro environment, Trump drops all of it and makes the USA step back fifty years.

That he rallies against women, stokes fear of foreigners and incites violence against anyone who has left a bit of common sense is his usual bull and it seems people there begin to see through that diversion. If he is a voice of something, it's that of big business.


OT since someone mentioned the Trump derangement syndrome. :D

Yes, i 'suffer' from it, 100 percent. And you know why?
The sheer sight of this man makes me vomit. He appeals to the lowest instincts. His body language, his hate speeches, his "trying-to-look-clever"-look, his grinning.. Yes. I despise him, completely. This "man" is a spoiled brat, a poser, dumb and incompetent. A divider and a liar.

And this has nothing to do with democrats or republicans, or with a step left or a step right, this is about stepping backward in all fields, a failure, from science, to empathy, to unification of US people, to diplomacy, to enlightenment, to sympathy, to economics. Incompetence on steroids.

So there you have it.
I know this will not change anything, i'm not that delusional :haha::03:

Now we both know I was not a Trump supporter, right�� Let's get that in writing before you address anything else I write. :yeah:

A divider and a liar. You just described every politician in America. And probably the world.:arrgh!: Was there ever a bigger divider than Obama? Before Obama, racial relations in the public eye were pretty good. Now look at things.

In the normal world, out of the public eye, racial relations are still fine where I live. The stuff you see in the big depressed metropolitan cities is a whole different thing.


But I have to say The Trumper is like a crazy brother in law who I never took seriously, but I am beginning to respect. He just does not fold up. He has gotten some serious business done. The partisan media have been bashing him from day 1 but he owns them. He doesn't care what you think of him. If he believes the US is getting the stinky end of the stick with China or Euro trade, he's gonna beat you on the head with it. Of course, Europe and China don't like it, no one likes it when the patsy fights back. :O: As of 2014, NATO’s collective agreement instructed member countries to spend 2 percent of their gross domestic product on defense by 2024. According to NATO’s most recent report detailing members’ defense expenditures, only five countries currently satisfy that threshold: the United States, Greece, the United Kingdom, Estonia and Latvia. Come on Germany, pay your share.

What puzzles me most, why do non-Americans get so frantic when we do something internally like his crashing the EPA with his puppet Pruitt, the reducing of former protected nature parks to allow companies to mine and driill in those areas. Dang man, why is that keeping you awake at night? Those are our nature parks. Let's assume the drilling will be done with some responsibility. You make it sound like we're going to turn a dragon loose on the landscape. We have plants and factories all over, that's our economy. We don't have a nice neighbor like Russia next door to buy gas from. :timeout:

And now I come to Madam Clinton:
Amy Chozick’s book Chasing Hillary: Ten Years, Two Presidential Campaigns, and One Intact Glass Ceiling. Chozick makes it clear that she was rooting for Clinton. But she also thinks Clinton hates her. Chozick shouldn’t take things so personally: Clinton hates everyone. You can’t relate to people you despise. Her inability to master the basics of being a politician inspired one of the great underreported witticisms of the 2016 campaign, when Donald Trump was asked about his comparatively loose debate preparations. “I don’t need to rehearse being human,” he said.

As a college sophomore, Clinton once described herself as a “misanthrope.” Her inability to hide that made her an amazingly poor candidate, one who would have had difficulty capturing a seat on any city council on her own. Dealing with the populace standing between her and power was never anything but a chore.

Chozick and the other reporters covering Clinton in 2015–16 were pulling for her. You could hear it in the questions they asked. Chozick makes it obvious in her new book. Yet Clinton was convinced this gaggle of liberal women was somehow out to take her down, and she barricaded herself off from them. She was a glum loner, not a happy warrior.

https://i2.wp.com/www.nationalreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/hillary-clinton-campaign-plane-reporters.jpg?resize=768%2C448&ssl=1

Yeesh! This was the fakest, most power hungry candidate in the election. Be glad she's not the first woman President, let that honor go to someone we could respect.

Trump was not my choice but 2 years later, I'm not regretting the election result one bit. Still a little embarrassed, but I'll live.

[Buddahaid]

"Amy Chozick’s book Chasing Hillary: Ten Years, Two Presidential Campaigns, and One Intact Glass Ceiling. Chozick makes it clear that she was rooting for Clinton. But she also thinks Clinton hates her. Chozick shouldn’t take things so personally: Clinton hates everyone. YOU CAN’T RELATE TO PEOPLE YOU DESPISE."

That is my problem with Trump. I despised him before his political career, and I still despise him even though I see a glimmer of hope. Naive, I'm sure.

[Schroeder]

As of 2014, NATO’s collective agreement instructed member countries to spend 2 percent of their gross domestic product on defense by 2024. According to NATO’s most recent report detailing members’ defense expenditures, only five countries currently satisfy that threshold: the United States, Greece, the United Kingdom, Estonia and Latvia. Come on Germany, pay your share. On this I fully agree but there are many people here who would like to see the Bundeswehr being disbanded altogether (because weapons are evil and we should learn from our history and NATO is the aggressor against Russia and stuff....:roll:) so it's hard for any government to pour more money into the armed forces. However that can't be an excuse for the miserable state our military is in and I think that really needs to change.


What puzzles me most, why do non-Americans get so frantic when we do something internally like his crashing the EPA with his puppet Pruitt, the reducing of former protected nature parks to allow companies to mine and driill in those areas. Dang man, why is that keeping you awake at night? Because you are influencing others, whether you like it or not. Other countries will see this and say "hey, if the Americans do it let's do it too" (Brazil anyone?).
We only have one planet and one environment. Arbitrary man made borders don't mean a thing for it. Most of the developed world has finally come to their senses and realized that we can't continue like this (there has been a recent WWF study that concluded that we've lost 60% of vertebrate animals between 1970 and 2014 https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-46028862 and while I take it with a grain of salt there is no denying that mankind is responsible of the extinction of craploads of life on this planet). Decisions like Trump's hurt the overall attempt of saving what we still have and that is saddening and will probably hurt us all in the long run.

[Onkel Neal]

Because you are influencing others, whether you like it or not. Other countries will see this and say "hey, if the Americans do it let's do it too" (Brazil anyone?).
We only have one planet and one environment. Arbitrary man made borders don't mean a thing for it. Most of the developed world has finally come to their senses and realized that we can't continue like this (there has been a recent WWF study that concluded that we've lost 60% of vertebrate animals between 1970 and 2014 https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-46028862 and while I take it with a grain of salt there is no denying that mankind is responsible of the extinction of craploads of life on this planet). Decisions like Trump's hurt the overall attempt of saving what we still have and that is saddening and will probably hurt us all in the long run.

Ok, I see where you're coming from.

I have not examined all the regulatory changes in detail, I doubt I ever will. Like Catfish says, the people have the EPA to take care of the environment on their behalf, and yes, if the EPA decides not to do their job at all, we have a problem. I think we all agree there. My point, there is some room to change the extent the EPA and other agencies go in doing their job. I think in many cases the EPA goes too far. Like a nanny who wraps the child in bubble wrap. I guess we'll find out. Environmental hawks are crying that industry is going to lay waste to everything. Industry advocates scream that Obama era regulations went too far, past the point of protecting anything and into the zone of nuttiness. I'm guessing the truth lies somewhere in the middle, it depends on what you want to believe.

I still say the only way out of this is to reduce the population and get people to stop living a modern life. As long as people want roads, cars, computers, TV programs, airliners, sewer pumps, more than 3 changes of clothing, buses, soccer matches -- all the things of modern life that need energy and materials to create, we will have these problems. We've built this massive train of civilization and progress, it's going to take a lot more than hope and little tweaks to our lifestyle to slow it down.

[August]

I don't understand ... You guys are talking the year 2020 when this is the year 2018.

You must mean President Trump's party :yep:

All things in the government go on hold for two (2) years if the GOP loses :o


If that happens i'm ok with it. Trump got us an Originalist leaning Supreme Court and that's good enough for me. If the Repubs hold the Senate he'll still likely be able to replace Ginsburg and maybe Breyer too and that'll be even better.

[Dowly]

@Neal


Here's a list of some of the EPA regulations Trump admin has rolled back:
https://www.environmentalintegrity.org/trump-watch-epa/regulatory-rollbacks/

[em2nought]

If that happens i'm ok with it.


I definitely won't be "ok" with it, although I suspect that most Republican elected officials are secretly rooting for that very thing. All the good accomplished in just two years by Trump must be undone, or those low energy Republicans look like they've been screwing us for all these years. They'll try to blame it on the Democrats, but we'll know better. :arrgh!:

[Skybird]

Spiegel today reported:

Nearly 4.9 million people in Texas already used the early voting period to participate in the Midterm elections, according to US state data collection. The votes cast in the 30 largest districts already exceed the votes of all voters who participated in the 2014 Midterm elections in Texas.

In 2014, a total of 4.7 million people voted in the congressional and governor elections, the so-called "midterms"

I wonder what that means. So far I think that the Donald will be re-elected in 2020.

[Onkel Neal]

I don't know at all. I got in to the polling station Friday after work, there was a 30 minute wait. I eyeballed all the people in line and applied my foolproof book cover judging skills (which are 50% on a good day)... I would say there were more lefties in the crowd than natural Texans.:wah:

[Cybermat47]

I would say there were more lefties in the crowd than natural Texans.:wah:

People born in Texas are only ever right-handed? :O:

[Hawk66]

Now we both know I was not a Trump supporter, right�� Let's get that in writing before you address anything else I write. :yeah:

A divider and a liar. You just described every politician in America. And probably the world.:arrgh!: Was there ever a bigger divider than Obama? Before Obama, racial relations in the public eye were pretty good. Now look at things.

In the normal world, out of the public eye, racial relations are still fine where I live. The stuff you see in the big depressed metropolitan cities is a whole different thing.

As of 2014, NATO’s collective agreement instructed member countries to spend 2 percent of their gross domestic product on defense by 2024. According to NATO’s most recent report detailing members’ defense expenditures, only five countries currently satisfy that threshold: the United States, Greece, the United Kingdom, Estonia and Latvia. Come on Germany, pay your share.
.

Neal, this is the issue when the world gets simplified by one like Trump.
Yes, for instance, Greence spends more than 2 % but do y know the readiness of their force and ability to quickly react on crisis? And y may guess which nation considerable has indirectly paid the buildup of the Greece army.

Germany spends less than 2%, yes and that needs and will be improved in the next years, but most of its forces are available for NATO defense anytime and that is a key differentiation to most other member states.

As a side notice I often read here that Reagan was similar to Trump in key aspects. It is true that burden sharing in NATO for instance was a topic in the beginning of 80s too but although Reagan pushed it also he did it in a complete different way and tried and succeed in getting his point also in my country - although he had of crs many critics in the left here.

See just his speak at the German Bundestag 1982 regarding burden sharing in NATO and the reactions of parliament.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mHQEVdLyYOg&t=4s

[em2nought]

I eyeballed all the people in line and applied my foolproof book cover judging skills (which are 50% on a good day)... I would say there were more lefties in the crowd than natural Texans.:wah:


Well, that's distressing. :wah: I guess people are moving to Texas to escape huge tax and cost of living situations, and then trying to turn Texas into the silly places they've just escaped from. It would also explain why the girls high school wrestling champion in Texas is a boy. :har: